ARLINGTON, Va. — FMI is calling attention to new guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that offers limited relief for families relying on federal nutrition programs as the government shutdown continues. In a recent blog post, Elizabeth Tansing, Vice President of FMI State Government Relations, noted that USDA has confirmed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients will be able to use any unspent benefits from October in November, a clarification that provides some reassurance to millions of Americans.
USDA has also said that states may fund November SNAP benefits using their own resources, though uncertainty remains around whether the federal government would later reimburse those costs. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has already directed state funds to maintain benefits should the shutdown persist.
In Washington, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act, which would ensure uninterrupted benefits during government funding lapses. Former President Donald Trump announced his support for the measure, emphasizing that no family should go hungry because of Washington gridlock.
Several states, including California, Illinois, New York, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin, have confirmed they will continue funding the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program through November, while Iowa has enough resources to maintain benefits until mid-month.
FMI and its members, who serve as critical partners in SNAP and WIC distribution, continue to urge Congress to end the shutdown. “Ensuring the stability of SNAP and WIC isn’t just about preventing hunger,” Tansing said. “It’s about protecting the country’s most fundamental safety nets in times of crisis.”
