SNAP recipients told to buy shelf-stable food or go to food banks as funding deadline looms

Main Idea: The USDA says SNAP food benefits may run out in November if the shutdown continues, leaving millions of people to rely on savings, food banks, or cheaper shelf-stable foods.

Key Points:

• SNAP serves about 42 million people each month, and October benefits were mostly sent out before the shutdown began.
• The USDA warned state agencies that there may not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits in November if the shutdown lasts.
• Texas and some other states have said next month’s benefits may not be issued, while Pennsylvania has already stopped payments.
• Food banks, including the Greater Boston Food Bank, say they cannot replace the missing food aid, and officials warn families may have to stretch or use up their remaining benefits now.