Shutdown Threatens SNAP, Head Start by Nov.1

The federal government shutdown is imperiling Head Start programs and federally funded nutrition benefits, threatening closures, layoffs and delayed SNAP/WIC/CalFresh assistance if Congress does not restore funding by Nov. 1. Head Start could lose funding at more than 130 programs serving nearly 60,000 children by Nov. 1, while the program nationally serves over 833,000 children. Local directors warn of immediate impacts: in Maine 170 children and 81 staff could be affected, Alaska providers say some grantees can only cover operations through November or mid-December using reserve savings, and Oklahoma officials warn rural programs serving roughly 2,500 families could be forced to close as some Ozarks providers have already drawn down September funding. Food-assistance programs also face cutoffs: Arizona says it cannot issue SNAP benefits in November, California counties warned CalFresh will be delayed, New Jersey’s SNAP is funded only through Oct. 31 (WIC through Nov. 10), and Florida officials warn nearly 3 million residents could lose access if the shutdown continues. Although nutrition and Head Start funding has been paid retroactively in past shutdowns, state officials and advocates say there are no assurances this will happen and families who rely on early education, health and food supports will face immediate hardship without a swift resolution.