SNAP Benefits May Soon Run Out: How Families Can Manage During the Shutdown

As of this writing, the most recent shutdown of the U.S. federal government is in its third week. While some services continue despite the shutdown, federally-funded programs are starting to feel the effects, including programs that keep many American families fed.

On October 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alerted state agencies that if the shutdown does not end soon, there will not be enough funding to cover the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for all 42 million Americans who rely on the program starting in November.

As an individual who relies on programs like SNAP, you might not be able to break a Congressional stalemate, but there are things you can do better ensure the wellbeing of you and your family during a protracted shutdown.

Know your program details 

Whether or not you're going to be impacted can come down to something as simple as when you receive your funds each month. Knowing your state's schedule helps you see whether upcoming payments may be in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, keep an eye out for any state announcements, including whether or not they have contingency funds or backup plans to keep benefits running longer than the federal government’s budget. 

Maximize your resources before you're impacted

The best time to take action is before funding has been cut off and you're scrambling. See what you can do to stretch what you already have:

• Start planning out lower‐cost meal ideas (beans, rice, eggs, seasonal produce).  
• Start actively hunting for coupons, discount programs, or store sales.   
• Freeze or preserve extra portions to reduce spoilage and avoid waste.

Access community resources

Get support from local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, or community meal programs. These are often run by nonprofits or faith groups and may continue operating even when federal funding is held up. Feeding America, local food banks, and other emergency food providers often ramp up during crises. 

Use school meal programs if available. Find out whether or not your child's school offers subsidized or free school breakfasts/lunches. 

Network with neighbors or community groups. Sometimes local mutual aid (food sharing, community gardens, bulk buying) can buffer shortages.

Contact local or state government offices. Even in a shutdown, some state or county offices may still operate or have emergency funds under their budgets that can buffer federal gaps. 

Advocate and apply pressure

As an individual you may have a hard time ending the shutdown, but as one of many people negatively impacted by the lack of a federal budget, you can help push action forward. Consider contacting your elected representatives. Let them know how a shutdown is affecting you and others you know.   

You don't have to do it alone, though. You can also collaborate with local advocacy groups. In many places, anti-hunger organizations, community coalitions, or faith-based groups can amplify voices, coordinate relief, and press for restoring funding.

Prepare for worst-case scenarios

While most government shutdowns are resolved within a few days, this one has already lasted nearly three weeks, so there's no way to know when this will end. If you're denied access to important benefits for a long time, you may need to make some tough choices. Thinking about that possibility and coming up with a plan now can help make those potential sacrifices easier to manage.

• Maintain a small emergency food reserve if possible. Even a few nonperishable staples (beans, rice, canned veggies, peanut butter, oatmeal) can provide buffer days.
• Review your budget and debts. If expenses are tight, see where you can cut or defer nonessential costs. This may mean having a hard conversation with your creditors or landlord.
• Consider your credit situation. If you need to spend money you don't have, what's the best and safest option available? Can you use a credit card? Will you need to use a fast cash loan? What's your plan for dealing with that debt once your benefits are restored?
• Have backup plans for essentials beyond food. If the shutdown affects other supports (childcare, utilities, transportation), identify local charities, church groups, or state relief funds that may assist.

Being cut off from essential programs like SNAP is scary to think about, but it's better to think about before funding runs out. If you need help reviewing your budget and seeing where to make cuts during a lean period, MMI offers free budget counseling 24/7, online and over the phone.