Restore Funding for Life-Saving SNAP & WIC Benefits (UPDATED 11/3)
Updates
November 3, 2025: Two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must use USDA contingency funds to sustain SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. However, the Trump administration has indicated they will only pay out 50% of SNAP benefits owed in November and that distributing them could take weeks or months. The future of WIC funding remains uncertain.
October 27, 2025: The Trump administration is refusing to use $5 billion in contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, and the US Department of Agriculture has announced that federal food aid will not go out on November 1.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program provide essential food assistance to millions of vulnerable US residents. These programs not only fight hunger but also reduce child abuse and health care costs while improving recipients’ health. If Congressional Republicans continue the federal government shutdown into November, the 42 million people who rely on SNAP benefits and the nearly 7 million pregnant people, new parents, and infants and children who depend on WIC could lose these food supports.
SNAP benefits are currently funded through the end of October, but the US Department of Agriculture has warned states that there will be insufficient funding to continue SNAP benefit payments in November. Meanwhile, WIC is already running out of funds, with some states considering a pause on new applications and others using their own funds to cover gaps. The Trump administration’s temporary and dubiously legal measures to keep WIC afloat will not last long. Congress must act to end this shutdown and preserve food access for millions.
Contacts for this topic:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
[IF CALLING REPUBLICAN]: I’m extremely concerned about the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP and WIC benefits for millions of Americans. I’m calling to ask that [REP/SEN NAME] immediately move to end this government shutdown by extending the ACA tax credits and blocking Trump’s illegal budget cuts. Prolonging this shutdown will cause untold suffering for millions of vulnerable people.
[IF CALLING DEMOCRAT]: I’m extremely concerned about the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP and WIC benefits for millions of Americans. I’m calling to urge [REP/SEN NAME] to demand the use of any available funding sources to keep these programs fully funded while still holding firm against any federal budget deal that does not extend the ACA tax credits.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
