Washington: Roughly 42 million Americans may lose access to crucial food assistance next month as the federal government shutdown threatens the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. With federal funding frozen, it remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will intervene to secure funds to continue benefits, raising alarms about widespread hunger among vulnerable families.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned that the program could run out of money within two weeks.
“You’re talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown,” Rollins said.
The warning underscores the precarious situation facing one of the United States’ most vital social safety nets. SNAP provides an average monthly benefit of $188 per person and reaches approximately one in eight Americans, making it a lifeline for millions who struggle to afford basic food.
Rollins and other administration officials placed responsibility for the looming crisis on Democrats, accusing them of prioritizing political goals over food security. On X, Rollins claimed Democrats are putting “their political agenda ahead of food security for American families.”
Democrats, however, countered that Republicans are unwilling to negotiate a broader spending package that would extend expiring enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies, contributing to the funding lapse. The standoff highlights the deepening partisan gridlock in Washington, with real-world consequences for vulnerable populations.
The Department of Agriculture recently notified states that there may be insufficient funds to pay full food stamp benefits in November if the shutdown persists. States were instructed to hold off on issuing November payments until the federal government provides guidance or additional funds, leaving families uncertain about their ability to afford basic necessities.
SNAP is a cornerstone of American social policy, providing essential support to millions who face food insecurity. For many low-income households, losing these benefits even temporarily can mean skipping meals, reducing dietary quality, or relying on charitable assistance. Advocates warn that prolonged disruptions could exacerbate hunger and place additional strain on food banks and community organizations already stretched thin.
As the funding crisis looms, millions of families face a stark reality: without emergency intervention, access to nutritious meals may vanish. The shutdown threatens not only economic stability but also the physical well-being of countless Americans, underscoring the urgent need for political compromise.
“This is not an abstract problem,” said one advocacy group. “It’s about real children, parents, and elderly Americans who depend on SNAP every day to put food on the table.”
With the shutdown showing no immediate end in sight, SNAP recipients and state administrators alike are bracing for the consequences of what could be one of the most severe disruptions to the nation’s food safety net in recent memory.