Amid a federal government shutdown, several US states, including Minnesota, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas, have issued warnings to recipients regarding the potential non-distribution of federal food assistance benefits for November. These warnings specify that benefits for programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may not be issued if the shutdown extends beyond October.
States have also noted limited communication from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the situation. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the USDA currently holds approximately $5 billion in contingency funds. This amount is insufficient to cover a full month's SNAP benefits, which are estimated to cost about $8 billion monthly.
Regarding WIC, while the Trump administration previously redirected approximately $300 million in tariff revenue to cover October benefits, there has been no indication of a similar measure for November. A representative from the National WIC Association stated that November could see a "historic disruption" to WIC services without additional funds.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/food-aid-at-risk-as-us-shutdown-deepens-states-warn-millions-could-lose-snap-wic-benefits-11761223450653.html