What the Recent Government Shutdown Means for Food Assistance
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Updated 11/14/25
Feeding America understands that many families have been forced to make impossible choices between food and other necessities like housing and health care due to the government shutdown.
Even though the government shutdown is now over, we know that the disruptions to SNAP and other programs will still have a ripple effect for families. The Feeding America network of food banks, pantries and other meal programs is committed to doing everything we can to help families affected by the shutdown.
We put together an FAQ on the recent shutdown’s continued impact on programs to help people better understand how they can access food.
What does the recent government shutdown mean for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) grocery benefits?
SNAP benefits in November 2025 will be delayed. December 2025 and January 2026 benefits will go out on time and in full.
Each state has navigated the shutdown differently, so SNAP benefits in some states have already been issued in full. Other states may have begun implementing programs to fill the gap during the lapse in benefits in November.
If you already have SNAP money on your EBT card from previous months, you can still use it.
Please continue to look to local and state agencies for the most up-to-date information.
Can people still apply for SNAP benefits?
Yes, you can still apply for SNAP benefits. However, if you apply for SNAP in November 2025, both the processing of your application and the distribution of your benefits may be delayed. If you aren’t already enrolled in the program, the Feeding America network can help you apply for SNAP.
What does the recent government shutdown mean for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits?
November 2025 WIC benefits are expected to be paid out in full, but they may be delayed depending on your state’s processes. WIC benefits in December and January are expected to be on time and in full.Your local WIC office can provide more information on how benefits may be impacted in your state.
What does the recent government shutdown mean for school meals?
Meal programs for children are expected to operate as normal. This includes school breakfast, lunch, and after-school meals offered through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
What does the recent shutdown mean for people who participate in the USDA’s senior food box program?
Most food box distributions or deliveries in the The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) should occur as planned in November. There could still be disruptions through December at some sites. Please stay in touch with your site or program operator for the most up-to-date information in your local area.
What does the recent government shutdown mean for federal employees and people who work for federal contractors?
People who work for federal contractors may have seen their pay disrupted immediately after the shutdown began. Federal civilian employees experienced paycheck disruptions in October and early November. Now that the shutdown is over, paychecks for federal employees are expected to resume as normal.
Food banks across the country are available to everyone, including federal employees, people who work for a federal contractor and other individuals impacted by the shutdown. Although there are rules that prohibit federal employees from accepting gifts from the public, they are allowed to receive charitable assistance from nonprofits and other organizations that aid their communities.
If you are a federal employee or employee of a federal contractor and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can also apply for SNAP—a program that provides monthly funds to help people buy groceries. If you aren’t already enrolled in the program, the Feeding America network can help you apply for SNAP.
How can I find a food bank near me?
Your local food bank can help you and your neighbors find food today. The food bank partners with food pantries and meal programs in your community to provide free food.
Find the food bank closest to you. Our tool can search your area by ZIP code and state.