Overview
- USDA has told states it will suspend November SNAP issuances because shutdown funding has run out, affecting 42 million recipients nationwide.
- New Mexico will load $30 million onto existing EBT cards—roughly 30% of normal benefits for the first 10 days—while Louisiana announced a $150 million state program prioritizing elderly and disabled recipients early in the month.
- Oregon is sending $5 million to food banks and issued a 60‑day emergency declaration, Arizona set aside $1.8 million for food banks plus $300,000 for a temporary Food Bucks Now program, and Maine directed $1.25 million to Good Shepherd Food Bank and aging agencies.
- At least half of states and Washington, D.C., have sued to compel the administration to use USDA contingency reserves—estimated at about $5–6 billion—arguing those funds sustained SNAP during past shutdowns.
- Cities and charities are launching stopgap help as food banks brace for surging demand, with Flint preparing food box vouchers and Arizona businesses offering free or discounted meals; groups highlight heightened risks for seniors, people with disabilities, children, and about 1.2 million veterans.