Federal Shutdown Halts SNAP Benefits for 42 Million Across US

The ongoing federal government shutdown is causing a suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits nationwide starting November 1, affecting millions of low-income Americans who rely on food assistance. States including Tennessee, South Carolina, Wisconsin, California, Texas, and Virginia are preparing for or responding to the halt by deploying emergency measures such as state troops, food banks, and community partnerships to support affected families. The shutdown, driven by partisan disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over budget and healthcare issues, has led to mutual blame, with Republican leaders accusing Democrats of prolonging the shutdown and vice versa. Governors from both parties, such as Virginia's Republican Glenn Youngkin and California's Democrat Gavin Newsom, have declared states of emergency or mobilized resources to mitigate hunger impacts. The shutdown's impact extends beyond recipients, affecting local economies and state administrative costs associated with SNAP. Legislative efforts to mitigate the lapse, including bills to fund SNAP during the shutdown, face uncertain prospects amid ongoing political stalemate.