What You Need to Know About SNAP & WIC During the Government Shutdown

If you depend on food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), today is a critical moment. Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown that began October 1, 2025, you may face delays or changes in how these benefits arrive. 

 In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s happening, why it matters, and, most importantly, what you can do right now to protect yourself and your household. 

What’s happening, simply explained:

• The federal government shutdown means that Congress has not approved full-year funding for many federal programs, including the ones that fund SNAP and WIC.  

• SNAP is funded through federal appropriations and state-administered programs. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the contingency reserve for SNAP may not cover the full cost if the shutdown drags on.  

• On October 26, 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) publicly posted that no federal SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1, 2025, if the shutdown continues.  

• WIC funding is particularly vulnerable because it is a grant-based program rather than an entitlement. Analysts estimate it could run out of funds within weeks if the shutdown persists.  

• Many states are now issuing warnings about potential benefit delays or suspension of issuance unless funding resumes. For example, North Carolina announced that November SNAP issuance for some 1.4 million recipients will be delayed if federal funding is not secured.  

Why it matters 

If you use SNAP or WIC, here’s the core impact: 

• A benefit delay or reduction means you may have less or no assistance for your grocery budget in the upcoming month. 

• Food banks and local community supports will likely see increased demand, so they may become more stretched as well.  

• Uncertainty makes planning harder: you might need to make decisions sooner about food, spending, or alternative supports. 

What you can do now 

Here are actionable steps you should take right now: 

1) Check your state’s official SNAP or WIC page 

• Visit the USDA’s SNAP State Directory: fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory for your state’s contact info, office locations, and benefit issuance schedules. Food and Nutrition Service+1 

2) Watch your benefit balance and EBT card 

• For SNAP: log in to your state’s EBT portal or use the card balance feature. If your benefit is delayed, you’ll want to know what you have on hand. 

3) Contact your resources:

Resources	Why Use It
USDA SNAP State Directory	Official state-by-state listings for SNAP offices, phone numbers, websites. Food and Nutrition Service
SNAP Contact Hotline: 1-800-221-5689	National toll-free line you can call if you’re unsure whom to reach. Food and Nutrition Service
USDA Applicant/Participant Page	Explains how to verify benefit schedules, understand issues like shutdown impact. Food and Nutrition Service
State shutdown-info pages (e.g., NH, NC)	Many states now post questions and answers specifically about how the shutdown may affect SNAP/WIC. E.g., NH’s page. NH DHHS+1
Food bank locator tools & 211	Helps you identify non-government supports locally when government benefit delays hit. Propel

Alternate food resources:

Resources	Why Use It
FindHelp	Locate food banks, housing, financial assistance, and more.
FoodFinder	Find food pantries near you.
USDA National Hunger Hotline	Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (or text FOOD to 914-342-7744.
FullCart	Sign up for free food delivered to your home: https://about.doordash.com/en-us/news/snap-shutdown-announcement

4) Stay in touch with your agency 

• Make sure your contact info is up to date, you’re aware of any recertification deadlines, and you respond to list-checks or required paperwork. 

5) Have a backup food plan 

• Consider meal planning, making grocery lists for essentials first, and knowing nearby low-cost grocery options. 

• If you receive WIC: check whether your state posted notices about upcoming benefit issuance or changes. NH DHHS 

The current situation may feel overwhelming, but knowing the facts and taking these steps gives you more control. Whether your SNAP or WIC benefits are stable or about to be disrupted, being informed is your strongest tool. At AADJ, we are here to keep watching the developments, tracking updates, and sharing practical steps you can take right now. 

Your access to food matters. We’ll keep you posted and prepared. 

Get Started:

• ➡️ Bookmark this blog. 

• ➡️ Share it with anyone who uses SNAP, WIC, or relies on food assistance. 

• ➡️ Check your state’s info today and plan a check-in this week: know what you have, where you’ll go for backup, and stay in touch with your benefits office.