WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans could miss out on food benefits next month because of the ongoing government shutdown and the standoff in Congress.
States have begun warning beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that November benefits won’t be loaded on SNAP debit cards as a result of the funding impasse.
Louisiana, for instance, issued a flyer Wednesday to be placed in grocery stores warning SNAP cardholders next month’s benefits won’t show up unless Congress reopens the government.
“Due to the federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C., SNAP benefits will not be uploaded to your card for November 2025,” the notice says. “Any remaining SNAP benefits on your card from previous months can still be used. SNAP benefit issuance will resume once the federal government reopens in Washington, D.C.”
More than 42 million people in 22 million households receive monthly SNAP benefits averaging about $350. The money can be used for food at grocery stores. Missing the benefits could harm not only the individual households, but also the broader economy as grocery stores and food producers lose out on as much as $8 billion per month.
