This post is written from the heart. Millions of families depend on monthly SNAP (food stamps) and WIC payments to put food on the table. The idea that children may go hungry because of a political impasse is unbearable — so here’s a clear, sourced explanation of what happened, what it means, and concrete places Arizonans (and readers in other states) can call or click for help right now.
Federal guidance and a USDA memo released October 24, 2025, say the USDA will not tap its contingency/emergency fund to cover regular SNAP payments for November during the federal government shutdown. That decision puts November SNAP disbursements — and the roughly 41–42 million Americans who rely on them — at risk unless Congress or states act quickly.
Why is this happening?
- Government shutdown + appropriations law: SNAP is funded through the federal appropriations process. When Congress fails to pass appropriations, agencies can’t always spend money the same way. The current shutdown means normal funding flows are interrupted.
- USDA contingency funds are legally limited: USDA officials have said the $5 billion contingency fund is reserved for disasters and certain emergency uses and will not be used to pay regular November SNAP benefits. USDA also said it will not reimburse states that self-fund benefits.
- States and legal responses vary: Some states (for example, Virginia and a few others) have declared temporary state funding or emergency measures to cover benefits for now; other states have announced they are pausing November disbursements pending federal action. Expect continued political and legal activity.
What this actually means for families
If you normally receive SNAP on the 1st of the month, you may not see the new EBT deposit for November. Benefits already issued for October remain usable, but if those funds are spent and November deposits are delayed, families could face a gap before the next payment.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) has so far been kept running in many places using alternative short-term measures, but advocates warn that WIC’s future funding is uncertain if the shutdown continues. Always check your local WIC clinic for the latest.
Immediate steps to take if you’re affected
- Check your EBT balance & state SNAP page now. Confirm whether your state has announced a plan to issue November benefits or not. Arizona’s official benefit portal information is on the Arizona Department of Economic Security site.
- Call 2-1-1 (Arizona) for real-time help and local referrals. Dial 2-1-1 within Arizona or 877-211-8661 from anywhere. 2-1-1 can connect you to emergency food, rental/utility help, WIC clinics, and local pantries.
- Find a nearby food bank or pantry. Enter your ZIP at Feeding America’s “Find Your Local Food Bank” tool to locate immediate pantry options and mobile distributions in your area.
- Contact your child’s school. Many schools run emergency meal/backpack programs, weekend food support, or can connect families with local resources.
Arizona — immediate places to call or visit
Below are statewide hubs and major regional food banks that can help or point you to nearby pantries, mobile distributions, and emergency food boxes.
Website: myfamilybenefits.azdes.gov
(Official state portal for SNAP/benefits updates.)
Dial 2-1-1 within Arizona or 877-211-8661 from elsewhere.
Website: 211arizona.org
Mailing address: 1275 W. Washington St., Suite 210, Tempe, AZ 85288.
Website/search tool: azfoodbanks.org — Find a Food Bank
(Statewide consortium that lists ~1,000 partner pantries and services.)
Address: 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone: (602) 242-3663
Website: stmarysfoodbank.org.
Gabrielle Giffords Resource Center — Address: 3003 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: (520) 622-0525
Website: communityfoodbank.org.
Website: azfoodbanks.org — use the “Find a Food Bank” tool for nearest pantry listings.
National resources (click to find help in your state)
- USDA SNAP State Directory — official directory to contact your state SNAP office and apply.
- Feeding America — Find Your Local Food Bank — enter ZIP for nearest food bank and pantry hours.
- United Way / 211 (national) — dial 2-1-1 from most phones to connect with local services nationwide.
- National WIC Association — WIC info, advocacy updates, and clinic locators (useful if you’re enrolled in WIC).
Common questions — short answers you can copy/paste
Q: Will my October benefits still work?
A: Yes — benefits already issued (October deposits) are still valid and can be spent as usual.
Q: Can my state just issue November benefits anyway?
A: Some states are exploring or using state emergency funds to temporarily cover benefits, but USDA has signaled it will not reimburse states that self-fund November SNAP, making that option complex and uneven across states. Check your state’s official announcement.
Q: Will WIC stop?
A: WIC has been protected in some short-term fixes and advocacy actions, but its funding is also vulnerable if the shutdown continues. Call your local WIC clinic and the National WIC Association for updates.
How readers can help their neighbors
- Donate money to local food banks — cash donations are the most efficient because food banks buy in bulk. Use the links above to donate directly to trusted local banks (St. Mary’s, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and the Arizona Food Bank Network are good places to start).
- Volunteer at a pantry or mobile distribution — many food banks need extra hands during spikes in demand.
- Share verified resources — help neighbors by sharing official sites (USDA state directory, Feeding America, 2-1-1) rather than social media rumors.
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