November SNAP benefits at risk from government shutdown

November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are at risk due to the ongoing government shutdown, which affects the nation"s largest food safety net. The program assists 42 million low-income Americans in affording groceries. A memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture prior to the shutdown indicates that SNAP has sufficient funds to fully distribute benefits for this month. However, a prolonged shutdown could result in reduced benefit amounts for recipients next month.

SNAP operates at an annual cost of approximately $100 billion in federal funds, providing monthly checks that range from about $25 to $1,700, depending on household income and size. As of August 2025, around 12% of Americans were enrolled in the program, with varying enrollment rates across different states.

The potential impact of the shutdown on SNAP benefits highlights concerns for millions of beneficiaries who rely on this assistance for their food needs. For more information on the implications of the government shutdown, see recent developments regarding its expected duration.

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