Tell Congress to use every available mechanism to keep SNAP funded in November, right as Thanksgiving approaches. SIGN NOW

Dear Friend,

As a result of the shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also called Food Stamps or EBT) is about to run out of money. This would be devastating for families and harm our economy. Fortunately, there is a temporary solution, and your voice is critical! 

What’s Happening?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the authority to use contingency and carryover funds to keep SNAP running through November, but it has not yet taken action to do so. [1] Unless they act quickly, millions of hard-working families will go hungry in November– and face bare Thanksgiving tables. 

→ Tell your Member of Congress that they MUST put pressure on the Trump Administration to act quickly to ensure families can put food on the table in November and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

This is a big deal: 1 out of every 8 people utilize SNAP benefits to take care of their families, contribute to their communities, and build good lives. These hardworking Americans are at risk of going hungry in November unless the Trump Administration’s Department of Agriculture releases the SNAP contingency funding immediately. 

→ SNAP provides hard-working moms the tools they need to take care of their families and build good lives. Tell your Member of Congress to press the Trump Administration to release funds immediately to pay for SNAP benefits in November! 

Let’s be clear: The USDA has the authority to use contingency and carryover funds to sustain SNAP in November. If they fail to use this authority, they will be choosing to leave families hungry amid soaring costs, just as Thanksgiving approaches. And Congress, which has the power to tax and spend, must press the USDA to use available funding to continue SNAP benefits. 

Any delay in benefits — especially during this time of rising grocery prices — would harm the over 40 million people who participate in SNAP, including 16 million children, 8 million older adults, and 4 million people with disabilities. Ensuring continued SNAP funding in November would mean more ability to make ends meet and buy essential food items, which in turn lifts businesses and the economy. Each dollar in federally funded SNAP benefits generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity – boosting farmers, retailers, and the economy. The Trump Administration must do their part to keep our economy growing by funding SNAP in November— which is good for everyone. 

→ That is why we are calling on YOU to remind your Members of Congress that feeding families is a federal obligation, and urge them to take action to ensure that SNAP benefits continue in November and beyond!

What we are asking is not out of the ordinary. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have previously used contingency funds, carryover appropriations, and short-term adjustments to keep SNAP funded during budget crises and shutdowns, including in 2013, 2018-2019, and the almost shutdown in 2023. [2] 

Even during the current shutdown, the Trump Administration has already used its discretionary authority to transfer funds into WIC. [3] They must use the same discretionary authority to increase SNAP contingency funding, and come as close as possible to funding the full amount of November SNAP benefits. [4]

→ Don’t forget to tell your Member of Congress to press the Trump Administration to release the SNAP contingency funding immediately to ensure families can put food on the table in November! 

The Trump Administration must use every available mechanism, including utilizing its contingency reserves, to prevent widespread hunger in November and beyond.

Together we are a powerful voice for children and families! 

-Jessica, Donna and the whole MomsRising team

P.S. IMPORTANT UPDATE: If you currently receive SNAP benefits: October SNAP benefits have been fully funded and are already loaded to EBT cards. Please continue using SNAP benefits throughout October. If the Trump Administration does not fund SNAP in November, your benefits might be delayed but will be reimbursed when the shutdown ends. No one will permanently lose their benefits due to the shutdown. Please look for updates from your state SNAP agency or local organizations; they will share information as it becomes available. [5] 

References:
[1] CBPP: The Trump Administration can and should take available steps to ensure SNAP participants get November food benefits
[2] FRAC: Political will and administrative priorities
[3] Politico: USDA tells lawmakers WIC will be funded through October
[4] CBPP: The Trump Administration can and should take available steps to ensure SNAP participants get November food benefits
[5] FRAC: Political will and administrative priorities

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