How the Government Shutdown Impacts SNAP Benefits and Our Community
If you’re someone who keeps up with social media and news outlets, there’s a high likelihood you’ve seen the discussion around SNAP benefits in relation to the recent government shutdown. We know how challenging it can be to see concerning headlines about the world around us and to feel unsure of what’s truly going on.
To understand the risks that come with this shutdown, it’s important to highlight just how large of an impact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has on millions of Americans.
SNAP, commonly referred to as food stamps, is a federal program that helps 1 in 8 Americans each month fight hunger. This program supports vulnerable citizens including low-income individuals, children, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities by helping them afford meals while food costs continue to rise.
Some key facts about SNAP:
Funded by the federal government and administered by the states
Provides an average of $187 per month per recipient to spend on food and beverages
Supports 39% children, 20% elderly, and 10% individuals with disabilities
Benefits are delivered through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card at approved stores
What Happens to SNAP During a Government Shutdown
Because SNAP is federally funded, the recent shutdown has disrupted the flow of money needed to keep the program running. As a result:
Delays or pauses in benefit disbursement for November 2025 have occurred
About 2 million Pennsylvanians temporarily without benefits
As of November 6th, 2025, partial payments are being issued to recipients
Many families remain unsure when or if their full benefits will arrive. And when families don’t know where their next meal will come from, it doesn’t just affect their household, it affects the entire community.
How SNAP Supports Health, Stability, and the Economy
When families are supported through SNAP, they can redirect their limited income toward other essentials such as rent, bills, medications, and basic needs. But when that support is disrupted, ripple effects occur across health, education, and the economy.
The impacts of food insecurity can include:
For children: increased risk for asthma, poor academic performance and attendance, behavioral challenges, and mental health struggles
For adults: higher reliance on cheaper, less nutritious foods that may not support chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes
For communities: weakened local economies since every $1 spent on SNAP generates about $1.54 in economic activity, supporting farmers, grocery stores, and suppliers
Without that stimulus, small businesses and local food systems lose vital income and stability, creating a chain reaction that impacts us all.
How You Can Help Right Now
Whether you are a SNAP recipient or not, our community is struggling — and everyone can play a role in helping.
Please consider donating directly to families with Propel - https://www.propel.app/shutdown-fundraise/
The tech company and app Propel is collecting donations to deposit directly into EBT accounts for families currently experiencing benefit disruptions.
As of November 10th, 2025, their fundraising has supported 161,029 families and funded 2,971,032 meals.
Other action steps:
Feeding America — visit to find nearby food banks for donations
No Kid Hungry — visit to support schools and communities feeding children
USAFacts.org - visit to understand more about the impact of the shutdown
Standing Together Through Uncertainty
The shutdown’s threat to SNAP benefits is not just a policy headline, it touches real lives in our community, including children, older adults, and families working hard to make ends meet. By staying informed, extending compassion, and contributing what we can, we not only help those directly affected but strengthen our community’s resilience.