October 25, 2025

The Trump administration is playing tough with food aid as the U.S. government shutdown drags on. A memo from the Department of Agriculture, revealed on Friday, says the administration won't use about $5 billion in contingency funds to keep Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits flowing into November. This means states that pay out benefits temporarily next month won’t get their money back. Democratic leaders and many advocacy groups have fiercely demanded the use of this backup fund to keep partial SNAP benefits running. SNAP helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries, so running out spells big trouble. But the two-page memo is clear and strict: “contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits.” It says such funds are saved just for disasters like Tropical Storm Melissa, which might turn into a major hurricane. Having money ready to jump into action in disasters is very important, they say. Blast and blame fly across the political battlefield. The memo accuses Democrats for blocking funding and causing the shutdown that started on October 1, stating that if not for them, November’s SNAP benefits would come on time. Not holding back, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said on Friday, “The administration has the resources to ensure than not a single American goes hungry on Nov. 1.” He slammed Republicans for “trying to weaponize hunger,” calling it “unconscionable.” Hundreds of House Democrats sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging her to use the contingency fund for November’s SNAP payments. "Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people," they wrote. This fresh guidance seems to clash with the Department of Agriculture’s earlier 55-page plan that said SNAP was meant to keep running even during a funding gap, thanks to multi-year contingency funds. But now the department says the fund can’t cover benefits since “the appropriations for regular benefits no longer exist.” The shutdown began because a short-term funding plan failed in the Senate, making it the second-longest government freeze on record. Before the shutdown, the administration ensured October SNAP benefits were paid. Now, states and lawmakers wait nervously for November’s fate. Some states are stepping up. Louisiana, Vermont, and Virginia promise to keep food aid moving even if federal money stops. Others thought about using state money but hit technical walls. Meanwhile, some states like Arkansas are warning people to get ready for no benefits soon and to seek help from food pantries, friends, and family. Will the US government find a way to feed all its hungry citizens? For now, the battle over billions and basic food aid heats up with no clear end in sight.

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Tags: Snap benefits, Us government shutdown, Food aid, Trump administration, Contingency fund,