Millions may lose food stamp benefits if shutdown continues, states warn

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🗞️ Driving the news: Millions of Americans could lose their food stamp benefits if the ongoing government shutdown persists into November
• State officials in Texas, New York, California, and several other states have warned that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation's largest food aid initiative, may be disrupted due to the lack of federal funding.

🔭 The context: SNAP provides vital food assistance to lower-income families, helping them maintain adequate nutrition
• With the government shutdown preventing access to federal funds, several states, including New Jersey, Texas, and Illinois, have issued warnings that November’s benefits may not be paid or could be delayed
• The shutdown follows a period of rising food costs and reductions in federal food program budgets, making the situation more dire for vulnerable families

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The potential loss of SNAP benefits would have a devastating impact on millions of Americans, increasing food insecurity and further straining already limited household budgets
• As food prices continue to rise faster than inflation, especially for essential items, the shutdown could exacerbate health and nutrition challenges for lower-income families, increasing reliance on food pantries and community assistance programs

⏭️ What's next: If the shutdown continues, state officials may need to seek emergency solutions or work with federal agencies to ensure that critical benefits are distributed
• The situation highlights the vulnerability of social safety nets in the U.S. and could spark more discussions about the long-term stability of the nation’s hunger prevention programs

💬 One quote: “SNAP is the largest and most effective hunger prevention program in the country. To permit monthly benefits to halt would be unprecedented and have an immediate and devastating impact.” – Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

📈 One stat: More than 42 million Americans received SNAP benefits as of August 2025, with the average benefit per household being about $332 per month, or less than $6 per person per day

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