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SNAP benefits cut off during shutdown, driving long lines at food pantries
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Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 19:24 GMT by Associated Press- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Government Shutdown Threatens to Lengthen Food Lines as SNAP and Federal Aid Face Delays
The looming federal government shutdown has set off alarm bells for food banks, nutrition assistance programs, and the millions of households that rely on federal help. As the United States faces a potential cessation of funding for more than 800 federal agencies, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s primary food‑security safety net, may be slowed or interrupted. Local food banks and community kitchens that depend on federal funds and logistical support could experience longer lines and shortages of critical supplies.
How the Shutdown Could Impact SNAP
SNAP, often called “food stamps,” is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program provides electronic benefits that enable low‑income households to purchase groceries. In a normal funding cycle, the USDA processes new applications and re‑authorizations every month. A shutdown could mean that field offices and call centers—many of which are funded through appropriations—would close, slowing the processing of new applications and benefit payments. According to the USDA’s SNAP website, the agency has stated that it will continue to operate at a “reduced capacity” to maintain benefit delivery, but “some services may be delayed” while certain office staff remain on reduced schedules. In regions where SNAP offices are the primary point of contact for low‑income families, this could translate into months‑long wait times for new or renewed benefits.
The USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) is another critical component. EFAP delivers emergency food supplies to state agencies, which then distribute them to food banks, shelters, and community organizations. EFAP’s funding comes from the USDA’s Food Distribution Program, a part of the Farm Bill that allocates a budget for emergency food aid during crises. During a shutdown, EFAP could be forced to curtail its shipments, meaning local agencies would have fewer resources to meet rising demand.
Local Food Banks Brace for Rising Demand
Food banks across the country are already operating near capacity. In Tennessee, for example, the Nashville Food Bank reported that the number of people waiting in line has risen by nearly 25% in the last six weeks. The organization’s executive director notes that the slowdown of federal assistance is a “key driver” behind the increase. “We’re seeing families that used to receive SNAP benefits now having to rely entirely on donations or local pantry assistance,” she said. The food bank is working with state officials to secure emergency federal funds, but the delay in receiving new appropriations could hinder that effort.
In New York, the local food bank network has set up an emergency response team that coordinates with the state’s Department of Agriculture to receive any EFAP shipments that remain available. The team’s coordinator explained that they anticipate an “increase in demand for both pantry and meal‑service programs” as families cut back on groceries to stretch limited cash budgets.
State‑Level Assistance
While federal agencies are in limbo, state governments have taken steps to shore up the food‑distribution chain. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a similar emergency nutrition assistance program—Emergency Food Distribution Program (EFDP)—that provides school lunch and breakfast programs with emergency supplies during funding gaps. Several states, including Kentucky and Ohio, have announced temporary emergency appropriations to keep their EFDP shipments flowing, albeit at a reduced rate.
State legislatures are also exploring the possibility of “stop‑gap” funding for SNAP and EFAP. In Indiana, lawmakers introduced a temporary measure that would authorize a small emergency appropriation for the USDA to maintain essential SNAP and EFAP services until the full appropriations process concludes. While the measure has yet to be passed, its introduction demonstrates the recognition that a complete shutdown could destabilize the nation’s food‑security infrastructure.
The Human Cost of Delays
For the individuals and families most vulnerable to food insecurity, the risk of delayed assistance is tangible. James Carter, a 48‑year‑old father of three, has been on SNAP for the past two years. “I have a steady job, but my wages just barely cover my rent and utilities,” Carter said. “If I lose SNAP, I won’t have the money to buy groceries. I’ll have to rely on the food bank, and I know the lines there are long.” Carter’s story echoes that of thousands of households across the country that depend on SNAP as a critical cushion against hunger.
A local policy analyst estimates that the United States could see a 5% to 10% increase in the number of households applying for emergency food assistance during a shutdown. In cities with large populations, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the effect could be magnified by the higher cost of living and the concentration of low‑income residents.
The Path Forward
The USDA’s own SNAP page outlines the agency’s preparedness plans, which include a “continuity plan” that would activate alternative processing methods should full operations be disrupted. However, the success of such a plan depends on the availability of staff and funding. If Congress approves the necessary appropriations in a timely manner, the risk to SNAP and EFAP could be mitigated. Until then, state governments, food banks, and community organizations must work together to fill the gaps.
The looming shutdown underscores a broader lesson: the federal food‑security system is fragile and heavily dependent on timely appropriations. A sustained interruption of federal assistance could exacerbate an already pressing national issue—food insecurity—and force more families into the waiting line at food banks and soup kitchens. Whether the government chooses to avoid the shutdown or to enact temporary measures, the impact on the nation’s most vulnerable populations will remain a critical measure of how well the federal government can protect those in need.
Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-food-lines-snap-6b55e2c21c0198f3309f3a45a55f33b6 ]
