November 1 deadline: These are the states where most Americans rely on SNAP to put food on the table

Millions of Americans could lose access to essential food aid as the federal government shutdown drags on with no resolution in sight. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports nearly 42 million people, is on the verge of running out of money by November 1.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned states to delay benefit distributions, while millions of families, seniors, and disabled Americans face growing uncertainty about how they’ll afford groceries in the coming weeks, as per a report by NPR and The Hill.



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Why are millions at risk of losing food aid?

As the government shutdown stretches on, the Trump administration has warned that SNAP cards will no longer be refilled starting November 1. The USDA, which oversees the program, said in a memo that it lacks the funds to continue regular payments, citing that its contingency funds are “not legally available” for routine benefits and are meant for emergencies such as “natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.”

SNAP, which traces its origins back to the Great Depression, has never faced such disruption. The program primarily serves low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, offering monthly assistance through debit-like EBT cards, as per a report by NPR and The Hill.

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How is the USDA handling the crisis?

In an October 10 letter, the USDA instructed state agencies to halt the distribution of November SNAP benefits “until further notice” due to insufficient funds. The decision sparked widespread criticism, with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities urging the agency to reallocate money from its contingency reserves. The think tank argues the USDA has a legal obligation to ensure SNAP remains funded since it is an entitlement program.

However, the USDA continues to reject that claim, maintaining that the funds can only be used for “unforeseen events.” This decision has already prompted a lawsuit from a coalition of more than two dozen Democratic state leaders who accuse the Trump administration of unlawfully suspending food benefits during the shutdown, as per a report by NPR and The Hill.

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Which states are most dependent on SNAP?

According to the USDA, an average of 41.7 million people relied on SNAP every month in fiscal year 2024. The federal government spent nearly $100 billion on the program, averaging $187.20 per person monthly.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that at least 5% of residents in every state and Washington, D.C., receive SNAP assistance. New Mexico tops the list with 21% of its population relying on the program, followed closely by Washington, D.C. (20%), Louisiana and Oregon (18%), and Oklahoma (17%). Other states with high participation rates include Massachusetts (16%), Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania (15% each), as per a report by NPR and The Hill.

The USDA’s refusal to draw from its contingency fund has left states scrambling for solutions. While some are exploring emergency food programs and local assistance options, there is no clear federal plan in place, as per a report by NPR and The Hill.

As November approaches, millions of vulnerable Americans could soon face empty EBT cards and empty pantries, unless Congress acts swiftly to end the shutdown or authorize emergency SNAP funding.

FAQs

When will SNAP benefits run out?
The USDA has warned that SNAP funding will run out on November 1 if the shutdown continues.

Which states have the most SNAP recipients?
New Mexico leads with 21% of residents on SNAP, followed by Washington, D.C. (20%), Louisiana and Oregon (18%), and Oklahoma (17%).