Floridians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to buy food will be impacted in the coming days if the government shutdown continues.
SNAP, sometimes known as “food stamps,” is a U.S. federal program designed to help low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. It provides monthly benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that can be used to buy groceries at authorized retailers, including supermarkets and convenience stores.
The government shutdown began just after midnight on Oct. 1. As of Oct. 30, it is the 15th shutdown since 1981 and is the second-longest in U.S. history. The longest shutdown lasted 35 days in 2019.
According to USA TODAY, several measures from both Republicans and Democrats, including bills that would pay federal workers and save safety-net programs from running out of money even as the government stays shuttered, have failed. In the meantime, attorneys general and governors from 25 Democrat-led states filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 in an attempt to force the Trump administration to fund the program.
Here’s what Floridians relying on SNAP need to know ahead of November.
Will SNAP benefits go out in November?
No. Florida’s Department of Children and Families’ website displayed the following message:
“The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administered through the Florida Department of Children and Families is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a federal agency whose funding is affected by the federal government shutdown. Until federal funding resumes, Floridians will not receive SNAP benefits.”
They do note that while Floridians may receive notices about their eligible benefit amount, they will not receive any benefits deposited to their EBT card during this time.
The USDA website also displayed a statement regarding SNAP benefits, targeting Democratic lawmakers.
“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry,” read a message posted to the USDA website.
Why can’t USDA use contingency funds for SNAP?
USDA said it can’t use contingency funds to pay for the program, prompting the lawsuit from 28 states.
According to USA TODAY, the department previously issued a shutdown contingency plan, which said a reserve of contingency funds could be used to pay benefits directly. However, the agency warned that SNAP and WIC were in jeopardy, and the plan was ultimately removed from its website.
In a letter shared with USA TODAY, the USDA said the contingency money is available only “to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits.”
“The contingency fund is not available to support FY 2026 regular benefits, because the appropriation for regular benefits no longer exists,” the letter said.
However, the lawsuit states that this claim is “contrary to the plain text of the congressional appropriations law, which states that the reserves are for use ‘in such amounts and at such times as may become necessary to carry out program operations’ under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.”
How many Florida residents rely on SNAP benefits?
According to USAFacts, approximately 2.98 million Floridians utilized SNAP during fiscal year 2024, which accounts for 12.7% of the state’s population. This represents a slightly larger percentage than the 12.3% of Americans receiving benefits nationwide, which is approximately 42 million People.
Can those relying on SNAP use existing funds on their EBT card?
Yes, Florida’s website notes that existing funds can be used in November.
Will SNAP applications still be processed and accepted in Florida?
The department will continue to process applications as usual. They request that you refrain from resubmitting an application, as this may delay the processing of your benefits.
They also state that renewal requirements are still in effect during the shutdown, and those receiving a renewal notice should complete it when it is due.
What happened to SNAP benefits during the previous shutdown?
During the 2018-2019 shutdown, the USDA paid February benefits early, at the end of January, and Congress passed emergency funding to ensure payments continued in March.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SNAP food stamps ending in Florida? Here’s what to know