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Food banks preparing for wave of hungry SNAP recipients

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 6:22 GMT by USA Today
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Food Banks Brace for Surge as SNAP Benefits Set to Shut Down

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the impending shutdown of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits portal, food banks across the nation are preparing for a surge in new users. The decision, rooted in federal budget constraints and administrative delays, means that many low‑income families will lose access to their monthly electronic benefits until the program can be reinstated. According to data from the USDA’s Economic Research Service, the last month of full SNAP benefit distribution saw approximately 15 million people receiving assistance. With the portal set to close at the end of the month, those same families will now have to rely on local food banks and community organizations for their basic nutritional needs.

Why the Shutdown Happened

The shutdown follows a series of budgetary standoffs in Washington. In 2024, the federal government reached an emergency funding shortfall that left the USDA scrambling to keep the SNAP portal operational. The agency, which processes roughly 2.3 million transactions daily, found itself unable to meet the technical demands of a nationwide system overhaul scheduled for later in the year. As a result, the Department opted to suspend the portal temporarily, citing “system reliability and security” concerns. The USDA’s official statement emphasized that the shutdown was a “necessary step to ensure the long‑term integrity of the program.”

Impact on Food Banks

Food banks are already operating at capacity, but the sudden influx of applicants is expected to stretch resources thin. In a statement, the Feeding America coalition—an umbrella organization for over 200 local food banks—projected a 12‑percent increase in demand over the next 30 days. “We are seeing more families than ever, many of whom have been in our system for only a few weeks,” said Maria Lopez, director of the East Bay Food Bank in California. “The loss of SNAP benefits is a shock to many households; they’re scrambling to find new ways to feed their children.”

The rise in demand is mirrored by an uptick in volunteer participation. A recent survey conducted by the National Hunger Hotline revealed that volunteers at food banks in the Midwest reported a 25‑percent increase in last‑minute food drives. “We’re doing our best to keep shelves stocked, but the influx is staggering,” said Jamal Patel, volunteer coordinator for the Kansas City Food Bank. “It’s a real test of our logistics and storage capabilities.”

Economic and Social Ripple Effects

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued a brief on the economic ramifications of the shutdown. A 2024 report projected that the loss of SNAP benefits could result in an additional $3.6 billion in short‑term food insecurity across the country, primarily affecting rural areas where food bank distribution is less frequent. Additionally, the report highlighted that the loss of benefits would likely increase demand for emergency services, including housing assistance and Medicaid, thereby straining public health systems already battling a post‑COVID pandemic recovery.

Beyond the immediate economic impact, the shutdown also threatens to widen the nutrition gap. A study by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research found that households without SNAP benefits are 37% more likely to experience food insufficiency and 23% more likely to report chronic health conditions linked to poor nutrition. “If families can’t get their weekly staples, the health outcomes are inevitable,” said Dr. Elena Ruiz, a nutritionist who collaborates with several food banks.

Government and Advocacy Response

In response to the looming crisis, several congressional representatives urged the USDA to prioritize reopening the SNAP portal. “The lives of millions depend on the timely delivery of these benefits,” said Rep. Karen O’Donnell (D‑NH). “We must find a bipartisan solution to keep the system operational.” Meanwhile, advocacy groups such as the Food Rescue US and the National Alliance of Food Banks are lobbying for temporary emergency funds to supplement the food bank network.

The USDA has indicated that it plans to bring the portal back online by the end of December. “We are actively working on a phased approach to bring the system back online in a secure, scalable manner,” the agency said. “In the meantime, we are working with state agencies to facilitate alternate methods for benefit delivery, including paper vouchers and direct transfer programs.”

What Food Bank Patrons Can Do

While awaiting the portal’s reopening, food bank patrons are advised to plan ahead. The USDA’s official SNAP website provides a list of alternative support services available in each state, including the “SNAP Emergency Fund” program, which offers temporary vouchers to eligible families. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service also maintains a portal that lists community resources, such as meal delivery programs and school lunch extensions for families who can’t secure food from their usual sources.

Food banks themselves are also expanding their outreach. Many are partnering with local churches, community centers, and online platforms to streamline the intake process. The Feeding America coalition has launched a new “Food Bank Fast Track” initiative that allows households to register online for a one‑month supply of basic staples until the portal reopens.

Looking Ahead

The temporary closure of the SNAP benefits portal underscores the fragility of the U.S. food assistance system. While the USDA has pledged a swift restoration of services, the interim period will see a surge in demand for local food banks, further testing the resilience of community support networks. As the country moves toward a larger conversation about food security and social safety nets, the experience of the coming weeks will likely inform policy decisions about the future of SNAP, the funding of food banks, and the sustainability of the nation’s hunger‑relief infrastructure.