The nation's longest government shutdown led to a nearly two-week interruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, impacting 42 million Americans. While funding is now restored, some experts and program recipients have suggested potential long-term effects on the program and public perception.
Program Operations and Recipient Perspectives
One SNAP recipient in Sacramento, California, described reliance on the program for groceries. This individual received November benefits amidst legal processes but expressed ongoing concerns about the program's future stability. The recipient characterized the suspension of funds as an "abuse of power" with potential lasting consequences, including decreased public trust in government.
SNAP serves as the largest anti-hunger initiative in the U.S., supporting approximately one in eight residents at or near the poverty line. Its budget is designed to adjust with demand. Craig Gundersen, an economics professor at Baylor University, indicated that the disruption was unexpected and challenged the program's established "entitlement status."
Administrative Statements and Actions
Former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of SNAP, identified it as a program he intended to reduce during the shutdown. On Truth Social, he stated that former President Joe Biden expanded the program by "Billions and Billions of dollars" and that benefits were distributed broadly rather than exclusively to those in need.
In late October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would not disburse the full $8 billion in SNAP benefits for November, attributing the suspension to the government shutdown.
Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center, characterized the USDA's action as a "policy choice" made by the administration. The administration contested lower court rulings that indicated the availability of reserve funds to cover full SNAP benefits, arguing these funds were allocated for other child nutrition programs. The USDA reported having approximately $4.5 billion in a contingency fund, covering about half of the November benefits, while two judges recommended utilizing additional reserves.
Future Considerations and Advocacy
The congressional agreement to reopen the government secures SNAP funding through September 2026. However, FitzSimons voiced apprehension that the program could again become a subject of negotiation. She proposed legislative action to prevent future delays in SNAP benefits, even during government shutdowns, acknowledging potential challenges in passing such a bill before October 1, 2026.
Advocates expressed concern that the disruption could deter eligible individuals facing hunger from applying for assistance. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, stated that payment uncertainty might decrease the number of eligible applicants. The USDA did not respond to a request for comment regarding these concerns.
Increased Program Awareness
Despite the operational challenges, the funding pause has drawn attention to the program's significance. Reports indicated support for SNAP recipients from the public and bipartisan lawmakers. Gundersen suggested that the shutdown and benefit disruption could increase public awareness of SNAP's importance and its entitlement status.
A SNAP recipient in Phoenix, Arizona, who applied for benefits 10 months prior due to financial strain, expressed a desire for increased public awareness regarding the prevalence of hunger. This individual noted that personal experiences with SNAP have led to more open discussions about needing assistance, often met with surprise by others.