The U.S. government is set to halt food aid for over 40 million Americans starting in November due to the ongoing federal shutdown, the Department of Agriculture confirmed. It blamed Senate Democrats for the deadlock, stating, “Bottom line, the well has run dry.”
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps about one in eight Americans afford groceries, faces disruption after the administration declined to use a contingency fund meant to maintain benefits. Officials said this fund must be kept for emergencies like natural disasters, a decision strongly criticised by Democrats.
Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and Angie Craig described the refusal as “perhaps the most cruel and unlawful offense the Trump administration has perpetrated yet,” while also condemning aid to Argentina and new White House ballroom construction during the shutdown.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted the contingency fund would cover only about 60% of one month’s benefits. House Democrats have urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release these reserves to fully fund November benefits, but Rollins insists the funds are for “true emergencies” only.
SNAP provides families with reloadable debit cards to buy essential food. A family of four typically receives $715 monthly, about $6 per person daily. Though states manage the programme, most funding is federal.
Some states promise to cover shortfalls but have been warned federal reimbursement is unlikely. Massachusetts, where nearly one million people could lose benefits, has said it cannot afford the gap. Many states are seeking alternative food sources for beneficiaries, with California mobilising its National Guard to assist food distribution.
As the shutdown passed 26 days, it became the second-longest in U.S. history, worsening hardship for those reliant on federal aid.