SNAP, WIC benefits for November in danger
Federal government shutdown started October 1 [2025]
By: Lucas Frau
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Nearly 1 million New Jersey residents are in jeopardy of not receiving their full November SNAP and WIC benefits as the federal government shutdown drags on.
.....
The New Jersey Department of Health put out a statement on October 17 [2025] warning that "there could be interruptions to full and on-time benefit payments," next month [11/2025] if the shutdown continues.
..... Over 800,000 New Jersey residents rely on SNAP and children are on the WIC program for healthy foods and nutrition support.
the USDA said the shutdown could mean :insufficient funds to pay the entirely of November [2025] SNAP benefits to 42 million people across the country."
..... SNAP benefits for October were not impacted, according to federal and state officials. However, the federal government told states to hold off on distributing this critical food support to their residents in November. [2025]
..... "The Trump administration also advised states to delay transmitting November [2025] SNAP benefit issuance files to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors until further notice," said the NJDH.
..... Grocery stores, food banks, farmers markets and other food vendors face uncertainty as they were told to :hold monthly benefits and daily transactions files for November," [2025]
by the NJ Department of Human Services.
..... There may be a discussion on a "potential contingency plan," said the USSA. Multiyear contingency funds are put aside each fiscal year, according to the USDA's shutdown contingency plan, but is uncertain how much money is currently in those programs. The New Jersey Department of Heath said "feral guidance and contingency plans continue to evolve."
..... The shutdown, which as lasted three weeks, is the second longest federal shutdown in the country's history. the longest cams in President Donald Trump's
first term in office, lasting 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019.
..... During that previous shutdown, Congress passed emergency funding that kept the food benefits going until March, [2019] and the USDA paid February benefits at the end of January. [2019]
What is SNAP?
..... SNAP, supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program created to assist low-income families and individuals afford food.
.....
Recipients use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), which works as a debit card, to buy groceries at authorize retailers, which include supermarkets and convenience stores. Ben fits are issued monthly.
What is latest on government shutdown?
..... October 21 [2025] was day 21 of the shutdown, which not only potentially jeopardizes millions from receiving food benefits but also caused flight delays and federal workers to face furloughs and miss paychecks.
..... The stalemate centers around government spending as Democrats demand a reversal of health care cuts while Republicans stand firm on the budget but may negotiate if the government reopens.
..... The House passed a bill where it would fund the government through November 21 [2025] but it is stilled in the Senate as many democrats are hooding out.
..... The Senate did not vote for an end to the shutdown on October 21. [2025]