• SNAP benefits could be disrupted if the government shutdown continues beyond October 27.
• States like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California have issued warnings about potential delays.
• Approximately 40 million Americans rely on SNAP assistance monthly.
• Advocates stress that disruptions could severely impact low-income families and children's welfare.
• The USDA has contingency funds available but is unclear if they will be utilized.

States are alerting the millions of Americans who depend on food stamps that they may miss their benefits if the federal government shutdown continues beyond October 27. Starting October 16, states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and Texas have indicated that SNAP benefits will not be distributed until funding is restored, according to CBS News and India Times.

California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that food assistance could also be affected starting November 1, stating, "Trump’s failure to open the federal government is now endangering people’s lives," amid the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, as reported by Los Angeles Times. Over 5.5 million residents rely on California's CalFresh benefits, a federally funded program, leading advocates to express concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable populations, including children.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated in an October 10 letter that if the lapse in appropriations continues, it will lead to "insufficient funds" for full November SNAP benefits. The USDA has not clarified whether it will utilize its contingency funds, estimated at $6 billion, to ensure continued support, according to CBS News and India Times.

Advocates like Gina Plata-Nino from the Food Research & Action Center warn that many SNAP recipients are "working individuals who still are living paycheck to paycheck," emphasizing that any interruption in benefits could be catastrophic, as reiterated by Los Angeles Times and India Times.

The ongoing deadlock in Congress poses a serious threat, with prediction markets estimating that the shutdown could extend for up to six weeks. This situation raises the stakes for millions who depend on SNAP, with implications for the broader economy, according to India Times.