Overview
- USDA told states to limit November SNAP allotments to roughly half of normal amounts, using about $4.6 billion in contingency funds.
- President Trump posted that benefits would be withheld until the shutdown ends, while a White House spokeswoman said the administration is complying with court orders for partial payments.
- State agencies report recalculation requirements and vendor complications that could delay distribution, with Nevada, Minnesota and Montana unable to provide firm payout dates.
- Food banks and local stopgaps report surging demand, including emergency distributions in Florida, county actions in San Diego, Arizona’s limited Food Bucks Now vouchers and tribal emergency measures in Montana.
- Litigation continues as advocates seek enforcement to speed payments in Rhode Island, alongside a multistate suit pressing USDA to sustain SNAP during the shutdown.