The U.S. government officially shut down on Oct. 1 due to disagreement regarding funding legislation between the two dominant parties, Democrats and Republicans. This has a substantial impact on government employees, as thousands were forced to go home unpaid until the shutdown ends. The shutdown impacted other government-related programs, such as SNAP benefits, the largest food assistance program in the U.S, affecting millions more.
Senior Juha Kim recognizes the effect the cuts will have on 42 million Americans. “The SNAP Benefit cuts will deeply impact our nation… Americans who rely on this system for food will no longer receive benefits because the government shutdown has not yet ended,” said Kim.
In 2025, 12% of the 342 million Americans used SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a federal program. SNAP assists people whose monthly income is below the minimum wage. For the first time in history, the government suspended SNAP due to a government shutdown.
The suspension of SNAP was derived from the Trump Administration’s decision to avoid using its $6 billion contingency fund for the program. The fund is enough to cover the $9 billion needed to fund the November benefits. According to a USDA memo, even using part of the contingency fund would take too long. “It would take weeks to dole out the money on a pro rata basis — meaning most low-income Americans would miss their November food benefits anyway,” the memo read.
These cuts impact thousands of Americans in Iowa. “In Iowa, more than 64% of SNAP participants are in families with children. More than 35% are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled. And more than 50% are in working families,” shared the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
The cutback of funding for SNAP benefits has sparked much division and controversy. Many people argued that even if it does take longer than the month of November to fund the November benefits, partially using the contingency fund to help citizens would be better than none at all, while others argued that by doing so, it would violate the separation of powers. If the executive branch of the government even dipped partially into the emergency fund, it would be doing so without the approval of Congress, which could dangerously set a precedent where the executive branch bypasses Congress.
This sudden deficit in available food to the hungry has put greater pressure on food charities and pantries to step in as substitutes. The Riverbend Food Bank, in particular, needs more support to combat the cuts. The Student Hunger Drive, more than ever before, has put extra emphasis on feeding the hungry, as previously reported by Spartan Shield’s Lily Collins. “This year’s drive raised more than three million meals thanks to the power of students and Million Meals Match,” shared River Bend Food Bank Marketing and Communications Strategist Nicole Lauer.
The 42 million Americans who can no longer rely on SNAP benefits due to the drawback of funds expose the weak and flimsy safety nets for SNAP. It also showcases the detrimental effects a political stalemate can have on the American population. As many other private food programs and charities scramble to make up for gaps in those facing hunger, the situation calls for a need for much stronger insurance for SNAP.
With the loss of a vital food source for many, local communities donate to mitigate the deficit of potentially fed families.
The River Food Bank continues to face the future with optimism as it works hard to make sure families can be fed. Lauer continued, “One of the steps River Bend Food Bank is taking now is creating a community engagement toolkit to help mobile individuals and groups who have raised their voices and their hands to help.”
While the effects of the withdrawal of SNAP funds are dismal, the support and contributions of local communities through drives and donations to help feed families are inspiring.
