Boston, October 23, 2025
News Summary
As the government shutdown continues, several states, including Massachusetts, warn that they may need to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This could jeopardize food security for millions of Americans who rely on these benefits. The USDA has instructed states to pause electronic disbursements, potentially delaying payments. Advocates are concerned about the impact on food pantries and the broader social safety net, particularly for families struggling to afford essential needs.
Boston — Several states are warning that they may need to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown, putting millions of Americans at risk of food insecurity.
Key developments
Several states are warning that they may need to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. The USDA informed state agencies that if the government shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits. As a result, millions of Americans could face food insecurity if SNAP benefits are halted.
The federal government provides about $240 million a month in SNAP benefits to Massachusetts residents. As of the end of next week, Massachusetts SNAP benefits may be frozen, affecting millions of residents. Maine’s Department of Health confirmed it will not receive November’s funding for SNAP. New Hampshire has enough funds to maintain SNAP benefits through the first week of November.
Approximately 40 million Americans rely on SNAP, receiving an average of $187 per month. States are responsible for administering their own SNAP benefits and setting disbursement dates, and the USDA has directed states to pause sending electronic files to EBT vendors until further notice, potentially delaying benefits for November.
Immediate impacts and local conditions
Massachusetts officials say the state cannot compensate for the federal government’s withdrawal of SNAP funding. The federal government provides about $240 million a month in SNAP benefits to Massachusetts residents, and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey stated that the state cannot compensate for the federal government’s withdrawal of SNAP funding. Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank, noted that 1 in 3 people in Massachusetts face food insecurity. D’Amato warned that a halt in SNAP benefits would significantly increase pressure on food pantries.
Maine’s Department of Health confirmed it will not receive November’s funding for SNAP, creating an immediate funding gap for that state. New Hampshire has enough funds to maintain SNAP benefits through the first week of November, but state officials there and elsewhere are planning for possible shortfalls if the shutdown lasts longer.
Broader social safety net concerns
Some social safety net programs, such as the WIC program, could also be affected by the shutdown. The National WIC Association warned that millions could lose access to WIC benefits as early as November 1 without additional funding. Advocates indicated that delayed SNAP benefits could force families to make tough decisions, such as choosing between rent and food.
The Trump administration is accused of being the first to cut off SNAP benefits to Americans. Advocates and service providers are preparing contingency plans, including increased reliance on food banks and local charity networks, while urging Congress and the administration to restore funding.
What recipients should know now
SNAP recipients must continue to complete renewals and report any changes during the shutdown. States administer SNAP and set disbursement dates, so recipients should check their state agency notices and local EBT schedules. The USDA has directed states to pause sending electronic files to EBT vendors until further notice, potentially delaying benefits for November, which may affect the timing of deposits or electronic payments.
Short-term timeline
- Federal government shut down on October 1 due to a failure to reach a funding agreement between President Trump and Congress.
- Maine confirmed it will not receive November’s funding for SNAP.
- New Hampshire has funds through the first week of November.
- Massachusetts could see SNAP benefits frozen as of the end of next week.
Background
SNAP is a federally funded program administered by states to deliver monthly nutrition assistance via EBT cards. States set disbursement dates and manage eligibility and renewals. The USDA informs states when federal appropriations affect benefit payments. About 40 million people rely on SNAP nationwide, with the program providing critical support to low-income households.
Food banks and local social service organizations are monitoring inventories and volunteer capacity. In Massachusetts, where over 15% of the state’s population receives benefits, emergency operations are being reviewed to respond to any abrupt benefit disruptions. Service providers caution that a pause in SNAP payments could sharply increase demand at food pantries and community meal programs.
FAQ
Q: Are SNAP benefits at risk because of the government shutdown?
A: Several states are warning that they may need to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Q: How many people rely on SNAP?
A: Approximately 40 million Americans rely on SNAP, receiving an average of $187 per month.
Q: Which states have reported immediate funding problems?
A: Maine’s Department of Health confirmed it will not receive November’s funding for SNAP. New Hampshire has enough funds to maintain SNAP benefits through the first week of November. As of the end of next week, Massachusetts SNAP benefits may be frozen, affecting millions of residents.
Q: How much SNAP funding does the federal government provide to Massachusetts?
A: The federal government provides about $240 million a month in SNAP benefits to Massachusetts residents.
Q: Will other programs be affected?
A: Some social safety net programs, such as the WIC program, could also be affected by the shutdown. The National WIC Association warned that millions could lose access to WIC benefits as early as November 1 without additional funding.
Q: What should SNAP recipients do now?
A: SNAP recipients must continue to complete renewals and report any changes during the shutdown.
Q: Has the USDA taken any administrative steps that could delay benefits?
A: The USDA has directed states to pause sending electronic files to EBT vendors until further notice, potentially delaying benefits for November.
Q: What is the cause of the shutdown?
A: The federal government shut down on October 1 due to a failure to reach a funding agreement between President Trump and Congress.
Q: What are advocates warning about?
A: Advocates indicated that delayed SNAP benefits could force families to make tough decisions, such as choosing between rent and food.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP at-risk warning | Several states are warning that they may need to suspend SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. | State-level / Nationwide |
| Massachusetts monthly SNAP funding | The federal government provides about $240 million a month in SNAP benefits to Massachusetts residents. | State-level (Massachusetts) |
| Maine November funding | Maine’s Department of Health confirmed it will not receive November’s funding for SNAP. | State-level (Maine) |
| New Hampshire short-term funds | New Hampshire has enough funds to maintain SNAP benefits through the first week of November. | State-level (New Hampshire) |
| USDA administrative action | The USDA has directed states to pause sending electronic files to EBT vendors until further notice, potentially delaying benefits for November. | Nationwide |
| Number of SNAP participants | Approximately 40 million Americans rely on SNAP, receiving an average of $187 per month. | Nationwide |
| WIC risk | The National WIC Association warned that millions could lose access to WIC benefits as early as November 1 without additional funding. | Nationwide |
| Advice for recipients | SNAP recipients must continue to complete renewals and report any changes during the shutdown. | Nationwide |
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Additional Resources
- WCVB: Massachusetts SNAP Uncertainty Amid Shutdown
- CBS News: Government Shutdown Could Delay SNAP Benefits
- Patch: SNAP Benefits in Jeopardy Due to Shutdown
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Google Search: government shutdown SNAP benefits
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