Millions of low-income Americans are facing a food stamp shortage as the US federal government shutdown enters its second week. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, would run out of money to pay benefits in November if the shutdown continues, according to a letter from the Department of Agriculture.
The program provides monthly benefits to 42 million people, including about $190 per individual and $356 per household on average. Recipients use these benefits to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and other essential food items. The majority of SNAP households live in poverty.
Despite claims from some lawmakers that food stamps will disappear on November 1, the reality is more complex. The Trump administration could use the program's contingency fund to pay for nearly two-thirds of a full month of benefits or transfer other Agriculture Department funds to continue operations. However, state officials and federal regulators have warned that participants might not receive benefits in November if the shutdown continues.
Some social media posts have made unsubstantiated claims about food stamps disappearing on November 1, with one Instagram post even suggesting this just before Thanksgiving, a time when families rely heavily on SNAP benefits to get by. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, however, has correctly pointed out that "empty cupboards and stomachs are not abstract outcomes" – they are real consequences of the dysfunction in Washington.
Food banks across the country have already taken a hit from other Trump administration policies. The emergency funding cuts through the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food to state distribution agencies, have left many struggling to provide for those in need.
In contrast to claims by lawmakers like Mike Johnson and Francesca Hong, who made incorrect statements about SNAP, the reality is that key lawmakers are not as supportive of the program as they claim. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that under Republican-backed legislation, 3.2 million fewer people per month would receive SNAP benefits over nine years.
In summary, millions of low-income Americans face a real food stamp shortage due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. While state officials and some lawmakers have made incorrect statements about the program's fate, the reality is more nuanced.
The program provides monthly benefits to 42 million people, including about $190 per individual and $356 per household on average. Recipients use these benefits to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and other essential food items. The majority of SNAP households live in poverty.
Despite claims from some lawmakers that food stamps will disappear on November 1, the reality is more complex. The Trump administration could use the program's contingency fund to pay for nearly two-thirds of a full month of benefits or transfer other Agriculture Department funds to continue operations. However, state officials and federal regulators have warned that participants might not receive benefits in November if the shutdown continues.
Some social media posts have made unsubstantiated claims about food stamps disappearing on November 1, with one Instagram post even suggesting this just before Thanksgiving, a time when families rely heavily on SNAP benefits to get by. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, however, has correctly pointed out that "empty cupboards and stomachs are not abstract outcomes" – they are real consequences of the dysfunction in Washington.
Food banks across the country have already taken a hit from other Trump administration policies. The emergency funding cuts through the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food to state distribution agencies, have left many struggling to provide for those in need.
In contrast to claims by lawmakers like Mike Johnson and Francesca Hong, who made incorrect statements about SNAP, the reality is that key lawmakers are not as supportive of the program as they claim. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that under Republican-backed legislation, 3.2 million fewer people per month would receive SNAP benefits over nine years.
In summary, millions of low-income Americans face a real food stamp shortage due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. While state officials and some lawmakers have made incorrect statements about the program's fate, the reality is more nuanced.
... like people actually fall for that "food stamps are gonna disappear on Nov 1" nonsense? meanwhile, we got real ppl struggling to put food on their tables, and no one's really talking about the human impact of this shutdown 
... guess it's just easier to blame the poor for being poor 
... btw, anyone else think that "empty cupboards and stomachs are not abstract outcomes" is just a nice way of saying "we messed up"? 
It's kinda crazy that people are already stressing 'bout food stamps disappearing on Nov 1, when we know the US gov't shutdown is still goin' strong 
. I think some ppl need to chill out & stop spreadin misinformation 
. We should be focusin on helpin those who need it most 
, not gettin all worked up 'bout a hypothetical shortage. Food banks are already strugglin due to other policies, so this shutdown's got everyone worried 
my grandma used to rely on them when she was struggling to make ends meet it's not like just disappearing on november 1 it's a real thing that's gonna affect millions of ppl who need it most
the fact that some lawmakers think they can just take away this lifeline from people is just wrong
Theyre relying on contingency funds or other gov't $$ to keep 'em afloat 
Problem is, theyre stillnta guaranteed 
The contingency fund thing is kinda cool I guess? But state officials are right, it's not just about the money, it's about the real people who need help 
.
. Like, what's gonna happen if they can't get their benefits? Will they just magically find a way to afford food or something? 
Don't think so... this is real life stuff.
.
- empty cupboards and stomachs aren't just abstract things, they're real lives that are being affected here 
. At least some people are trying to use their heads and figure out ways to get the program back on track 
.
. Like, what's it going to take for them to do something about it? The lives of millions of people who are literally struggling to survive? 
this is super sketchy fam, I'm talkin' 'bout millions of ppl strugglin' 2 get food because of a government shutdown 
. It's like, politicians are playin' with people's lives over here, and it's messed up 
.
. I mean, seriously, folks, we're trying to discuss a real issue here – food stamp shortages affecting millions of Americans – and it feels like no one's taking this seriously enough. I'm getting so frustrated with all the misinformation floating around, especially from our lawmakers 
. I wish we could have a more constructive conversation about this, but I guess that's just not possible here 
. We should be supporting our low-income families, not trying to cut their benefits 
.
; we need action 
️! Our leaders need to come together and figure out a solution that doesn't leave vulnerable communities in the dark 
. Food banks are already stretched thin, and the shutdown is just another blow 
. We need facts, not fantasy 