If the government shutdown rolls into November, 42 million Americans could be left without food, including more than 350,000 people in Mississippi.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it won’t issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits next month unless the government reopens.
SNAP, often called food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income families get food. WIC is geared specifically to helping at-risk pregnant, post partum and breastfeeding mothers, babies and children younger than 5.
The federal government shut down on Oct. 1. Currently, we’re in the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history. If it continues into November, it could become the longest shutdown in the nation.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” a notice on the USDA website reads in part.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced on Friday, Oct. 24 that benefits won’t be issued in November because of the ongoing federal shutdown.
“The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has directed states not to transmit the EBT issuances files to EBT vendors until further notice,” the MDHS news release states. “As a result, no new SNAP benefits will be issued for November unless federal guidance changes, however, previous benefits will remain accessible. Existing clients are reminded to fulfill all requirements to maintain SNAP eligibility.”
In addition to millions potentially being left hungry, a report from the USDA says every increase of $1 billion in SNAP benefits boosts the U.S. gross domestic product by $1.54 billion. The ripple effect supports up to 13,560 more jobs. it helps rural areas more than cities.
Here’s what we know about the shutdown and where to get food support in Mississippi.
Why is the shutdown happening?
The approved budget for the federal government ran out of funding at midnight on Oct. 1.
The majority of Democrats are using budget negotiations to push for extending federal Affordable Care Act (also called Obamacare) subsidies, arguing the move will help keep health insurance costs lower for Americans. They’re set to end Dec. 31. Democrats also want to roll back cuts to Medicaid.
According to KFF, formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 667,000 people in Mississippi get health care via Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Republicans argue they don’t want undocumented immigrants to get federal benefits and want requirements for 80 hours of work or volunteering per month. They say the health care can be debated with the government reopened.
“We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance,” a notice on the USDA website reads.
The USDA is led by Brooke Rollins, who was appointed by President Donald Trump.
Nov. 1 is important for SNAP and WIC, but it’s also a fiscal cliff for Head Start funding and the day Affordable Care Act insurance enrollment begins. If the enrollment subsidies aren’t extended by then, people could see much higher health care premiums on healthcare.gov.
According to KFF, premiums for millions of families will double next year unless subsidies are renewed.
How many people in Mississippi get SNAP?
About 385,000 people or 13% of the state got food stamps each month in 2024, according to USA Facts. That exceeds the national average of around 12%.
In 2023, about 20% of households with kids participated, per USA Facts.
Can USDA contingency funds pay for SNAP benefits?
According to a letter shared with USA TODAY, the USDA said contingency funds can only “supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits.”
There currently is no appropriation for fiscal year 2026 benefits for the fund to support, the USDA argues.
Additionally, states will not be allowed to issue SNAP benefits and apply for reimbursement from the USDA.
More: How many in Mississippi get Medicare, Medicaid? Half of kids get federal health insurance
When will SNAP benefits be issued again?
MDHS could not provide a timeline on when benefits will resume.
They recommend visiting mdhs.ms.gov/home/federal-shutdown-updates/ for the most current information and to learn about local community food resources.
Can I still use leftover or saved SNAP benefits?
Yes. Previously issued benefits are still available and can be used.
MDHS recommends buying shelf-stable products.
How can I find a food bank near me?
MDHS provided links to three major food banks that help support communities across the Magnolia State:
Contributing: Melina Khan
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why won’t SNAP go out Nov. 1? What to know about MS food stamps, WIC
