Food Stamps Could Be Halted: 8 States Warn of Funding Shortages

• The federal government shutdown threatens to halt the distribution of SNAP food stamps in November.
• Eight states warn that SNAP funds could be depleted within days
• Millions of families—especially Latino households—may lose access to food assistance.

The federal government shutdown, now entering its fourth week, has placed millions of families across the United States on high alert.

Several states have warned that food stamps are at risk and may not be distributed in November if new funding is not approved.

The SNAP program, which helps low-income households buy food, faces a potential financial collapse.

SNAP benefits could stop if the government shutdown continues

The Texas Health and Human Services Department issued a stark warning: November benefits will not be paid if the federal shutdown continues beyond October 27.

Other states — including California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York — received similar notices from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

California Governor Gavin Newsom blamed both President Trump and Congress, stating: “Trump’s inability to reopen the federal government endangers lives and makes basic needs like food more expensive,” he said in a public statement.

According to the USDA, maintaining active SNAP payments in November would cost $8 billion, but the contingency fund currently holds only $6 billion, leaving a $2 billion shortfall that could halt the program.

SNAP funding in jeopardy: States prepare for impact

The warnings extend beyond Texas and California.

Authorities in Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia have also stated that SNAP funds could run out within days if the federal government does not reopen.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins tells me, if the government shutdown continues, funding for SNAP benefits (food stamps) could be in jeopardy:

«My understanding is that, listen, we’re going to look at everything on the table, but that right now, if the government is not… pic.twitter.com/U2WREy0rxr

— Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) October 9, 2025

“We’ll run out of money in two weeks,” warned Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Some states are exploring ways to use their own resources to keep the program running, though Connecticut Deputy Commissioner Peter Hadler cautioned that there is “no guarantee of federal reimbursement” for such spending.

The uncertainty has fueled widespread concern, particularly among families who rely on SNAP to meet their basic food needs.

Impact of the food stamp crisis

The potential suspension of food stamps would disproportionately affect the Latino community.

In states such as California, Texas, and New York, millions of Hispanic households depend on the SNAP program to feed their families.

According to California’s Department of Social Services, 63% of CalFresh recipients are children or seniors — demographics where Latino families make up a large portion.

If SNAP funds run out, payments could be delayed, reduced, or limited to the most vulnerable households, directly endangering the food security of thousands of Hispanic families.

What states plan to do

The USDA has developed a contingency plan to prioritize available resources, ensuring that funds go first to those with the greatest need.

However, the cost of maintaining the program far exceeds existing reserves, meaning many states could run out of options within weeks.

In the meantime, some local governments are preparing temporary measures to prevent a complete service shutdown — but they warn that these solutions are short-term and unsustainable.

What’s next

If the federal shutdown continues beyond October 27, millions of households could enter November without receiving their monthly food assistance.

The USDA is urgently seeking an emergency solution to prevent the program’s collapse, while state leaders are pressing Congress to pass a budget and restore funding.

The food stamps at risk 2025 crisis has become a symbol of America’s political gridlock — a conflict in Washington that could translate into hunger and hardship for the nation’s most vulnerable families.