Overview
- A USDA memo says contingency funds are not legally available for regular SNAP benefits and tells states they will not be reimbursed if they pay with their own dollars.
- States have warned recipients of potential November disruptions, with Utah announcing no deposits next month and cautioning that some EBT cards may not function.
- Democratic lawmakers and anti-hunger advocates dispute USDA’s stance and urge the agency to use reserves or pursue other options to prevent a lapse.
- Sen. Josh Hawley has introduced emergency bills intended to keep SNAP funded while the government remains shut.
- While SNAP faces a cutoff, WIC has been sustained for now by $300 million in reallocated tariff revenue, and food banks report preparing for heavier demand ahead of Thanksgiving.