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, about 42 million Americans could be left without food, including more than 380,000 people in Mississippi who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Saturday, Nov. 1 is important for SNAP beneficiaries who might not get help affording groceries. It’s also a fiscal cliff for Head Start funding and the day Affordable Care Act insurance enrollment begins.
Here’s what we know about SNAP in Mississippi, including who qualifies, how much they receive and where they can find food bank resources near them.
What is SNAP?
SNAP, often called food stamps, is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps low-income families get food.
Who is eligible for SNAP in Mississippi?
Income requirements, after taxes, are set by the number of people in the household. Pay can’t exceed 130% of the poverty line, according to the USDA.
One person must bring home $1,305 per month or less. A family of five would need a monthly income below $3,138 to qualify.
To qualify in Mississippi, someone must be unemployed, work part-time or get low wages. Elderly and disabled people on low incomes and those who get TANF, SSI and other assistance can also be eligible.
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 the Center on Budget and Priorities.
About 39% of recipients have income at or below 50% of the poverty line. Another 14% have income that’s 51% to 100% of the poverty line, and about 47% have income that’s at or more than the poverty line, according to CBPP analysis for USDA data.
What’s the poverty line?
The federal government sets certain income lines per number of people in a household, based on annual income.
These are the 2025 poverty guidelines:
More: MS groceries may lose millions a day without SNAP sales amid federal shutdown, expert says
How many people in Mississippi live in poverty?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 18% of Mississippi residents live in poverty, as of 2023.
The median household income in the state is $54,915, and average income per person is $30,529.
Mississippi SNAP benefits by the numbers
According to the Center on Budget and Priorities’ analysis of USDA data from 2024:
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1 in 8 Mississippi families get help from SNAP
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67% of Mississippi participants are in families that have kids
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More than 41% are in families with older or disabled adults
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More than 26% are in working families.
The USDA reports that in 2024, about 14%-15.9% of Mississippi residents received SNAP benefits.
What is the average monthly SNAP benefit per person in Mississippi?
On average, according to CBPP, each Mississippi household that gets SNAP benefits drew $183 per member a month in 2022. That came to about $6.01 per day per person.
Average monthly SNAP benefits, per the CBPP analysis looked like:
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Households with kids: $548
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Households with older adults: $109
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Household with disabled, non-elderly, residents: $231
How could the government shutdown affect SNAP?
The USDA announced that it won’t issue SNAP or benefits next month unless the government reopens.
“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.”
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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, Mariyam Muhammad, Rebecca Morin
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How many in Mississippi use SNAP? What are food stamps? What to know
