Millions of Americans could see their food assistance disrupted next month as Louisiana and other states warn that November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued unless the federal government reopens.
Why It Matters
According to state data, more than 16 percent of Louisiana’s population depends on SNAP benefits. Data from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities shows around 850,000 people receive SNAP in the Bayou State. Across the U.S., some 42 million people receive the benefits and will be impacted by a lack of November benefits.
The shutdown, now in its 23rd day, began when Congress did not approve a budget or temporary funding bill before the federal fiscal year ended on October 1, leading to the closure of many government agencies. Although SNAP is a mandatory program, its continuation depends on Congress approving the funds to operate it.
Without a budget or stopgap measure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cannot distribute new benefits beyond those already funded.
What To Know
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, announced Wednesday that all state residents who rely on SNAP will receive no new benefits starting November 1 due to the ongoing impasse in Washington, D.C. Any remaining funds from previous months can still be used.
Other states are facing similar challenges. Florida’s Department of Children and Families said benefits for November may be delayed for its 2.9 million SNAP recipients if the shutdown continues. California’s Department of Social Services warned that benefits could be affected if the closure lasts beyond October 23, impacting roughly 5.5 million residents. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Carolina have also issued similar warnings.
What People Are Saying
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said: “The U.S. Senate is failing to open the federal government in Washington, D.C. SNAP benefits are paid for by the federal government in Washington, and we simply administer the program here in Louisiana. Without the funds we cannot provide the benefits.
“The U.S. House under Speaker Mike Johnson has already acted to reopen the government. Our U.S. senators representing Louisiana have voted over and over again to reopen the government. They are doing their part. Now it is time for those U.S. senators, under Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to vote yes and reopen the federal government.”
Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Bruce D. Greenstein said: “All Louisiana SNAP recipients should be aware that there will be no new benefits added to their cards starting November 1st unless the federal government in Washington, D.C reopens. We will do all we can to ensure SNAP recipients are aware of this and that retailers are prepared as well.”
Claire Borzner, director of federal government relations for Share Our Strength, a hunger relief organization, told Newsweek: “Americans deserve to have confidence that these federal nutrition programs will be available when they need them. While Congress ultimately needs to come to a bipartisan agreement on reopening the government and fully funding these programs, USDA and state agencies should be doing everything in their power in the meantime to ensure benefits continue without delay.”
What Happens Next
Despite the mounting risk to SNAP recipients, Democrats and Republicans remain locked in the budget standoff that has kept the government shuttered.
President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of being “obstructionists” for not advancing a funding measure. Democrats, meanwhile, have placed the blame on Republicans for their refusal to negotiate a broader spending deal that includes an extension of the expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.
Schumer said Democrats have no intention of shifting strategy even as funding for key benefit programs like SNAP runs out. Asked by CNN whether that possibility might lead Democrats to reconsider, he responded: “No, it should change Republican calculus. They should sit down and negotiate a way to address this crisis. They caused it, they’re the ones maintaining it.”
