USDA's Decision Not to Use Contingency Fund for Food Stamp Benefits in November Raises Concerns
The US Department of Agriculture has announced that it will not use its $6 billion contingency fund to cover food stamp benefits in November. This decision affects approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for critical food assistance. The agency stated that contingency funds are only available to supplement regular benefits when appropriations are insufficient, and they cannot be used for regular benefits in FY 2026.
States will not be reimbursed if they choose to use their own funds to cover food stamp benefits. This situation puts pressure on Congress to end the government shutdown by reaching a federal spending agreement. Democrats are pushing for an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies as part of any short-term spending bill, while Republicans blame Democrats for the impasse and claim they are harming Americans.
The USDA informed states that there may not be enough money to pay full food stamp benefits in November if federal funding remains lapsed. Democratic lawmakers and SNAP advocates argue that the agency should use the contingency fund to cover November benefits, estimated at $8 billion. They believe the administration should tap into other funding sources to make up the difference, as it has done for other priorities.
The food stamp program, which serves about one in eight Americans, provides an average monthly benefit of $188 per person. It is a crucial part of the nation's safety net. Another nutrition assistance program, WIC, was also at risk of running out of money, but the Trump administration redirected $300 million in tariff revenue to keep it operating. This move should ensure that WIC benefits are covered for the remainder of the month.
During the previous government shutdown in 2018, there were concerns about food stamp benefits running out, but the USDA found a way to continue payments by using a provision that allowed obligated payments within 30 days of a funding lapse. The shutdown ended before this workaround was needed. The current situation highlights the importance of resolving the government shutdown to ensure that critical food assistance programs can continue to support those in need.