USDA Orders Suspension of November SNAP Benefits as Shutdown Stalemate Deepens

USDA says “the well has run dry”; state officials warn 1.4 million residents could face food insecurity if funding isn’t restored

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has formally suspended all November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, citing a lack of federal funding amid the continuing government shutdown. The move affects more than 1.4 million North Carolinians and millions more nationwide who rely on the program to buy food each month.

In an Oct. 24 memorandum to all regional and state SNAP directors, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) stated that “all November 2025 benefit allotments” are suspended effective November 1, “until such time as sufficient federal funding is provided, or until FNS directs State agencies otherwise.”

The memo — issued by Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services — instructs states to immediately notify SNAP households of the suspension and comply with federal mass-change notice requirements. It also clarifies that while benefits are halted, households may continue to use any funds already loaded onto their EBT cards prior to November 1. “The suspension applies only to November 2025 benefit issuance to households and does not impact any prior benefits,” the memo said. “The authorization or redemption of benefits at eligible retailers is not impacted.”

The directive adds that eligibility determinations and certifications may continue, but that new applicants found eligible during the suspension period will not receive benefits until federal funding resumes. States are urged to limit administrative spending to essential operations and system maintenance.

State Response: Stein Calls for Emergency Action

Governor Josh Stein blasted the decision, saying the USDA should immediately release federal contingency funds to protect vulnerable residents. “I am urging the USDA to take immediate action to prevent more than 1.4 million North Carolinians – including children, people with disabilities, veterans, and working families – from going hungry,” Stein said. “The administration’s refusal to use these available funds as temperatures cool and the Thanksgiving holiday approaches is a cruel abdication of responsibility.”

According to N.C. Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), SNAP provides between $230 million and $250 million in monthly benefits across the state. Nearly four out of five households receiving assistance include a child, senior, or disabled adult.

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai said the department remains in contact with federal officials and is working to keep families informed. “Our priority is to provide clear information so families can prepare for a potential delay,” Sangvai said. “We will issue benefits as soon as federal funding is restored.”

Impact in Rutherford County

Local food banks and church ministries in Rutherford County are preparing for increased demand. The county Department of Social Services has posted a comprehensive list of local food resources, including Chase Corner Ministries, Grahamtown Community Center, Adaville Baptist Church, and Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach.

Families are encouraged to:

• Continue applying and renewing SNAP benefits through county DSS offices.

• Check EBT balances via the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling 1-888-622-7328.

• For updates, NCDHHS urges residents to visit ncdhhs.gov/shutdown.

  
  

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also faces uncertainty, with funding expected to lapse by early November if the shutdown continues.

The federal government has been shut down since October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to approve a budget. The impasse has furloughed over one million federal workers and stalled payments to critical public programs, including SNAP and WIC.