WASHINGTON, D.C. (VVNG.com) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that no Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be issued on November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and a lack of funding from Congress.
In a sharply worded statement posted on the agency’s website, the USDA said, “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.”
According to the agency, the lack of funding stems from repeated failed votes to reauthorize SNAP during the federal budget impasse, which began October 1.
The department said the situation has reached a critical point: “We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
The statement did not clarify what efforts, if any, are being made to protect recipients from the impact of the lapse in benefits or whether contingency measures would be made available to states.
SNAP, also referred to as food stamps, provides essential nutrition support to more than 41 million low-income individuals and families across the country. The USDA warned that without congressional action to restore funding, recipients will not receive benefits starting next month.
What SNAP Recipients Need to Know
- No new SNAP benefits will be loaded onto EBT cards beginning November 1.
- Existing EBT balances may still be used at authorized retailers.
- New applications for SNAP may be submitted, but processing and payments will be delayed.
- County social services offices remain open during the shutdown.
What San Bernardino County Residents Should Know
San Bernardino County officials are advising CalFresh recipients to stay alert and continue complying with all benefit requirements during the shutdown.
According to a written statement from the County:
“Receiving a notification about delayed CalFresh benefits does not mean your case is closed or that you are no longer eligible.”
Residents should:
- Continue submitting SAR 7 forms and renewals to avoid delays once funding resumes.
- Use any existing EBT benefits as normal.
- Apply for new CalFresh benefits at www.benefitscal.com, by phone at 1-877-847-3663, or in person at a local office.
- Seek food assistance through local food banks: www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food
The San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department remains open to assist. For questions, residents can call 877-410-8829 or visit wp.sbcounty.gov/tad.
County officials also stated that CalWORKs and Medi-Cal are not currently affected, but a prolonged shutdown could place December CalWORKs payments at risk.
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