Federal Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits for 42 Million Americans

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is facing a critical funding crisis as the federal government shutdown threatens to suspend benefits for millions across the U.S. In Colorado’s San Luis Valley, over 10,000 individuals risk losing monthly benefits, translating into a significant economic loss for local communities. Governor Jared Polis has requested state funds to support food banks and nutrition programs and called on philanthropy to help mitigate the impact. Nationwide, the USDA has warned that SNAP payments for November may be delayed or unavailable, which comes at a time when demand for food assistance spikes around Thanksgiving. Compounding this crisis, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," signed by President Trump, will cut SNAP funding by $186 billion over the next decade, affecting over 22 million families and drastically changing eligibility rules, especially for noncitizens. Community efforts, such as a Maine bakery feeding those about to lose SNAP benefits, highlight grassroots responses to this growing food insecurity.