Overview
- USDA has told states to hold November SNAP issuances and says contingency funds are not legally available for routine benefits during the shutdown.
- Plaintiffs filed in federal court in Boston seeking an emergency order to require use of the reserve; a hearing is set for Oct. 30 before Judge Indira Talwani.
- Roughly 42 million people could miss assistance starting Saturday, with food banks warning of surging demand and retailers bracing for spending shifts, according to industry and market analyses.
- Delaware declared a state of emergency to fund weekly payments through November, while Virginia launched state-funded EBT deposits, though federal directives limit states from transmitting new issuance files.
- Private responses are expanding, including DoorDash pledging 1 million free meals, Gopuff offering up to $10 million in groceries, and local businesses and nonprofits providing direct food assistance.