Looming SNAP Deadline Sparks Alarm as USDA Warns Benefits Run Out November 1

Millions of Americans won’t receive assistance without new funding.

October 30, 2025

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces an unprecedented funding cliff as the federal government shutdown stretches on, and USDA is warning beneficiaries that November benefits will not be issued. Without action by Congress or the federal government in the coming days, millions of Americans could see their food assistance halted, creating widespread concern among families, state agencies and retailers that accept SNAP.

The funding lapse stems from the government shutdown and expiration of federal appropriations for USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, which administers SNAP. Over the weekend, USDA posted a notice on its website stating that “the well has run dry” and that “no benefits will be issued November 1” without a new funding bill.

SNAP is one of the largest and most widely used federal nutrition programs, providing assistance to over 42 million Americans in every community.

“SNAP is essential to keeping families fed, and convenience stores play a critical role in the program by providing food access to their communities across the nation,” said Margaret Mannion, director of government relations for NACS. “We hope that any disruption of the program is kept to an absolute minimum so that families can continue to purchase the food they need and so that retailers can continue to serve their SNAP customers without interruption.”

As the deadline approaches, states are exploring options to bridge the gap. Virginia has announced plans to use state funds to temporarily cover SNAP benefits for roughly 850,000 households if federal payments are delayed. Other states have issued warnings to residents that benefits may be paused or delayed pending congressional action.

Meanwhile, more than two dozen states filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Tuesday, seeking to compel USDA to release its available contingency funds to prevent a lapse in SNAP benefits. If a funding measure is not approved in the coming days, the country could see the first widespread interruption of SNAP benefits in the program’s history.