Millions of Americans who depend on federal food assistance could lose access to benefits as early as next month if Congress fails to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, according to warnings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides essential food aid to approximately 42 million people nationwide, is facing a severe funding shortfall that could halt November payments. The USDA has notified states that without swift congressional action, there will be “insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits.”

Several states, including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, Minnesota, and New York, have already begun alerting residents that their food assistance could be delayed or stopped entirely if the shutdown extends into November. In Pennsylvania alone, nearly two million residents rely on SNAP benefits. State officials have warned that they cannot guarantee the release of payments without federal funding. Illinois issued a similar notice, stating that about 1.9 million residents may be impacted.

SNAP—formerly known as the food stamp program—is fully funded by the federal government and administered by individual states. The program is a lifeline for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to basic nutrition. If funding lapses, food banks and community organizations across the country are bracing for a surge in demand. Many are already stretched thin due to rising food prices and the lasting effects of the pandemic.

The potential suspension of benefits could also have ripple effects on local economies. Small grocers and retailers, particularly in rural areas where SNAP recipients make up a large share of customers, may face sudden financial strain.

The crisis stems from Congress’s failure to pass a new spending bill for the 2026 fiscal year, triggering a lapse in appropriations. While the USDA has limited contingency funds to sustain the program temporarily, the department has confirmed that reserves will not cover benefits beyond October.

If lawmakers do not act soon, millions of families could be left without one of the nation’s most vital safety nets—placing additional pressure on already fragile communities.