Overview
- The USDA has formally notified states that SNAP benefits will not be issued starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown, affecting roughly 41–42 million people and about $8 billion in monthly assistance.
- A coalition of approximately 25–26 states filed suit in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts seeking to block the suspension and compel use of contingency funds, alleging violations of federal law and the Administrative Procedure Act.
- USDA maintains that contingency reserves are not legally available for regular SNAP benefits and has removed prior contingency-plan guidance from its website while transferring $300 million from WIC as a temporary step.
- Several states, including California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, New York, Virginia and others, are directing emergency money to food banks and related aid after USDA warned such state spending will not be reimbursed; Nevada outlined roughly $40 million and plans Guard support for distribution.
- New USDA-FNS rules reinstating monthly 80-hour work and verification requirements for ABAWDs take effect Nov. 1 as community ‘shopping buddy’ efforts grow to help families facing the benefit gap.