The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has triggered a nationwide food crisis, cutting off Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 42 million low-income Americans, including 16 million children, beginning Saturday, according to the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA said its $9.5 billion in monthly SNAP funding has been exhausted, warning that no federal lifeline will be provided until Congress resolves the shutdown. The Trump administration has defended the decision, citing the need to prioritize military and federal employee salaries, and has blamed Democrats for failing to reach a budget compromise.
“We cannot fund everything when Democrats refuse to negotiate,” a senior White House official said Friday.
SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, is federally funded but state-administered, meaning the shutdown’s impact varies by state. Several states have announced emergency measures to temporarily sustain benefits or expand local food aid.
State-Level Emergency Responses
Arizona
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs announced $1.8 million in emergency aid, with $1.5 million going to food banks and the rest to Food Bucks Now, a voucher program providing fresh produce to low-income families.
California
State officials allocated $80 million to food banks statewide to meet growing demand, particularly in Los Angeles County and the Central Valley — regions heavily reliant on SNAP.
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis requested $10 million in General Fund revenue for food banks and pantries, alongside extended funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program through November.
Connecticut
Gov. Ned Lamont approved $3 million in emergency grants to Connecticut Foodshare, a nonprofit that supplies more than 400 pantries and community kitchens.
Delaware
Gov. Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency on Oct. 29, ordering funds to be redirected to the Department of Health and Social Services to continue SNAP payments on a weekly basis.
Hawaii
Gov. Josh Green launched the Hawaiʻi Relief Program, offering up to four months of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for housing and utility payments. Eligibility extends to families with at least one dependent child — including some not previously covered under SNAP.
With federal funds depleted, the shutdown’s impact is being felt from New York to California, where food banks are bracing for surging demand.
According to the Feeding America network, member pantries have already seen a 40% increase in visitors this week alone. Many states say their emergency reserves can sustain operations for no more than three to four weeks.
Economists warn the freeze could deepen the strain on low-income households while hurting local businesses. Grocery stores and small retailers that depend on SNAP transactions are already reporting revenue losses.
“This isn’t just about hunger — it’s about economic stability,” said Lisa Davis, senior vice president at Share Our Strength, a national anti-hunger nonprofit. “When SNAP stops, the entire community feels it.”
As the shutdown enters its fifth week, there is still no clear resolution. Negotiations in Congress remain deadlocked over budget priorities and emergency spending.
For now, states are left to improvise short-term fixes, but officials warn that without federal action soon, millions could face food insecurity by mid-November.
“The well has run dry,” the USDA said in a statement. “Only Congress can turn the tap back on.”
