The United States is entering a painful milestone — a government shutdown stretching into its 36th day, the longest in the nation’s history — and the consequences are hitting millions of families at the dinner table.
Federal officials told a judge that the White House will only issue partial SNAP (food stamp) payments to 42 million Americans who rely on the program for basic groceries. With nearly US$9 billion needed to fund November benefits and only US$4.65 billion available from a recently approved emergency fund, households will receive roughly half of their usual aid.
The Agriculture Department confirmed in a court filing that no other funds would be used to cover the deficit, even as two federal courts ordered the administration to tap emergency resources to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program running.
With political deadlock in Washington showing no sign of easing, the budget standoff now threatens critical support systems across the country — from SNAP benefits averaging US$356 a month per household to WIC nutritional support for pregnant women and children, and Head Start centers that provide food and family care to thousands of infants.
At the center of this crisis is a battle over healthcare subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act. These subsidies, essential for over 20 million Americans, are set to expire — and without Congressional agreement, insurance premiums may surge as the new enrollment period approaches.
Although federal judges temporarily reversed SNAP’s shutdown-triggered lapse and forced emergency payments, uncertainty still looms. The administration says legal procedures and shutdown restrictions could delay distribution, leaving millions unsure when their next food support will arrive.
President Donald Trump said he has asked legal teams to find a way to fund SNAP quickly. Still, critics emphasize that partial aid is not enough.
Democratic Senator Patty Murray stated, “Just now paying the bare minimum to partially fund SNAP is not enough, and it is not acceptable.”
