Understanding SNAP and What the Pause in November Benefits Means for Our Community

Millions of families rely on SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to put food on the table each month. SNAP helps participants buy groceries at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other authorized retailers. It also supports employment and training programs to help participants gain skills and stability.

But right now, SNAP benefits for November are at risk, and it’s important to understand why and what it could mean for our community.

How SNAP Works

There are four key players in the SNAP system:

1. USDA – Provides the federal funding that powers the program.

2. State Agencies – Administer SNAP, determine eligibility, and manage benefit distribution.

3. EBT Contractors – Issue EBT cards and manage transactions at authorized retailers.

4. Participants – Use benefits to purchase groceries and support their households.

Each month, the state agency creates an issuance file and sends it to the EBT contractor. This file tells USDA how much money will be needed to fund benefits for that month. Based on the file, USDA deposits money into a “Letter of Credit”, the state’s SNAP account. Then, the EBT contractor loads participant cards with the authorized funds.

When participants use their EBT card, the process works like this:

• The amount of the purchase is deducted from their monthly balance.

• The EBT contractor sends the money to the store.

• The same amount is deducted from the state’s Letter of Credit.

What’s Happening With November Benefits

In mid-October, USDA instructed states not to send their issuance files to EBT contractors. Without these files, November benefits were never posted to participant accounts. Because USDA funds the program, states cannot issue benefits without federal money.

This pause leaves thousands of families without access to funds they rely on for groceries, creating a ripple effect throughout the community.

Possible Ways Benefits Could Be Restored

There are a few potential outcomes:

1. Government Reopens – USDA resumes normal processing, and participants receive their benefits.

2. USDA Contingency Funds – Could be used to cover benefits, as has been done in prior shutdowns.

3. States Use Their Own Funds – Some states could temporarily fund benefits, though this puts pressure on state budgets.

Until one of these happens, many families may go without SNAP support.

The Ripple Effects Beyond Families

The pause in SNAP doesn’t just affect participants:

• Grocery stores see fewer customers and lost sales.

• Farmers and local markets lose income from SNAP purchases.

• Food banks and pantries face extra strain as more families turn to emergency food.

• Communities experience increased food insecurity,

  
  

The loss of SNAP affects the whole food system