USDA Taps Contingency Funds Amid SNAP Disruption

The federal government shutdown has disrupted SNAP benefits, and the USDA said it will tap contingency funds to partially cover November payments but has not specified the amount or timing, creating widespread uncertainty for more than 40 million recipients. Food banks and pantries across regions are reporting sharp spikes in demand and strained supplies, and providers are expanding distributions of prepared meals, shelf-stable food packages and other emergency aid. Communities, businesses and local governments have stepped in with drives, matched meals and large-scale distributions, and in Hawaii officials are using roughly $100 million in federal aid plus $2 million in state funds and $500,000 from the Farm to Families program to support food banks and housing or utility assistance. The USDA has warned retailers that SNAP’s Equal Treatment Rule bars discounts or special pricing exclusively for SNAP recipients unless a waiver is obtained, which can limit retailer-run incentive programs during the shutdown. Nonprofits, volunteers and state agencies are mobilizing emergency food drives, meal programs and other supports while urging recipients to monitor state SNAP or DCF websites for official notices.