States Deploy Emergency Funds to Sustain SNAP Benefits Amid Federal Shutdown

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown in 2025, multiple states are taking measures to mitigate the impact on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries. Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil emphasized that food stamp benefits for nearly 700,000 people in the state would be restored quickly once the government reopens, though he criticized Democrats for political games prolonging the shutdown. Vermont has approved a temporary, state-funded benefit to cover the first 15 days of November SNAP benefits for over 38,000 households, costing over $6 million, alongside additional funds to the Vermont Foodbank to support local food shelves amid delays caused by the shutdown. Washington State is directing $2.2 million weekly to food banks to support over 900,000 residents who may lose SNAP benefits, reflecting concerns over increased demand. Vermont officials expect some delays in benefit distribution due to the need to build a new system for state-funded benefits but have prepared contingency funds to maintain food access. These state efforts come as federal SNAP benefits face suspension due to the shutdown, with legal challenges underway against the Trump administration for discontinuing SNAP despite contingency funds being available at the federal level.