The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — more commonly known as SNAP, or food stamps — is a key benefits program that serves more than 40 million people across the country. Now, the shutdown is threatening to suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

An average of 41.7 million people, or 12.3 % of the U.S. population, received SNAP benefits each month in Fiscal Year 2024, according to the USDA. October 2025 reports indicate that about 42 million Americans participate in SNAP monthly.

Lawmakers in Louisiana approved a resolution Wednesday to allow the state's Department of Health to use up to $150 million in funding for some people who would normally receive SNAP benefits.

The government shutdown is only becoming harder for Americans to bear. But Republicans and Democrats still have yet to strike a funding deal.

Food bank staff expect a wave of new demand as millions of Americans are set to lose federal food assistance in November. But they insist that their services alone won’t be enough to feed everyone who relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The bill has the backing of 10 Republicans, including Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), Katie Britt (Ala.) and John Cornyn (Texas). Hawley’s bill also has support from one Democrat, Sen. Peter Welch (Vt.).

Across the country, there are over 41 million people enrolled in the federal government’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, known as SNAP.

The city of Flint is making plans to launch a food voucher program to help households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program if benefits are suspended starting on Saturday, Nov. 1.