LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Thousands of Arkansas families could lose access to food assistance in November if the federal government doesn’t reach a new funding deal soon.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it will not issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November unless Congress ends the government shutdown that began October 1.
The agency also said it will not use emergency funds to cover the gap, which could leave millions nationwide without help buying groceries.
What’s Happening:
According to USDA officials, roughly $8–9 billion in monthly SNAP payments could be paused starting November 1 if Congress doesn’t pass a temporary spending bill.
The department has warned states to prepare for possible interruptions in benefits distribution.
This would be one of the largest disruptions in the history of the federal nutrition program, which helps more than 40 million Americans buy food each month.
How It Affects Arkansas:
According to USAFacts.org, Arkansas could be hit especially hard. About 240,000 Arkansans receive SNAP benefits each month — roughly 8% of the state’s population.
The state already struggles with food insecurity. According to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, around 15.7% of Arkansans live in poverty, and nearly 1 in 5 households experience food insecurity each year.
If November benefits are delayed, local food banks and community organizations expect a major surge in demand.
“The charitable sector cannot fill that gap. We are pleading that all of our leaders and decision makers come to some resolution…but we can’t possibly meet all of the need,” said Brian Burton, CEO of Arkansas in a recent interview with KATV.
What the Trump Administration Says:
Former President Donald Trump’s administration has blamed Congressional Democrats for the shutdown, saying they refused to pass spending bills that exclude certain healthcare provisions.
In a statement, the USDA said Democrats are “holding out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures” instead of reopening the government to fund food aid.
The comments have drawn criticism from ethics experts, who say they could violate the Hatch Act, which limits partisan activity by federal agencies.
What’s Next:
Congress still has time to pass a short-term continuing resolution to restore funding before the end of the month.
Some states are exploring ways to temporarily cover benefits using state funds, but federal reimbursement remains uncertain.
If no deal is reached, SNAP recipients in Arkansas may not receive their monthly benefits starting Friday, November 1 — leaving thousands of families scrambling for support.
If you need food assistance:
As the cost of groceries and basic necessities continues to rise, local organizations across Central Arkansas are stepping up to make sure families don’t go hungry. From full-service food banks to neighborhood pantries and community fridges, KATV has created a list of resources. Click here to learn more.
