Gov. Affairs | Issue 22 | October 30, 2025
Updated October 31, 2025 - This content will be updated as developments unfold.
Emergency Guide:
Navigating the SNAP Crisis and Finding Help
The ongoing federal government shutdown has brought the reality of food insecurity into sharp focus, threatening the immediate halt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for over 42 million Americans.
With a looming deadline of November 1st, the resulting food crisis requires a massive, coordinated effort from non-profits, local businesses, and community members. This guide organizes essential resources and news coverage to help you/your community find assistance, understand the greater political context, and learn how to support local efforts.
The National Context and Policy Overview
The fight over SNAP funding is national, impacting every state. These resources offer clarity on the policy, legal challenges, and the broader scope of the crisis.
Update: October 31, 2025 Government Ordered to Pay Food Stamp Benefits During Shutdown (New York Times - Free Link)
In a ruling issued from the bench, Judge John J. McConnell, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, sided with nonprofits and other groups, and told the Trump administration it “must distribute” aid using a set of emergency funds - and potentially other sources - and pay the benefits as soon as possible.
The order came as another federal judge in Massachusetts separately ordered the administration to indicate by Monday if it would provide either full or partial SNAP benefits in November.
Update: October 30, 2025 National Council of Nonprofits and Nationwide Coalition Sue to Protect Food Security for Millions as Trump Administration Refuses to Use Available Funds.
Policy & Eligibility Analysis
Resources from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) that dissect the federal program and contingency options:
SNAP's Contingency Reserve Is Available for Regular SNAP Benefits as USDA (Argues that funds exist to continue the program.)
Many Low-Income People Will Soon Begin to Lose Food Assistance
National News: General updates and reporting on the severity of the situation. NPR: SNAP food stamps in limbo as government shutdown drags on
States Most at Risk from SNAP Disruption
With over 42 million people relying on SNAP nationally, the disruption creates a food security catastrophe. Based on reporting regarding the highest concentrations of participants at risk of losing November benefits, these states are facing the most extreme immediate crisis:
The Immediate, Regional Response
We have organized local action and resources by regions where Purpose Possible has the greatest concentration of clients to help you quickly find assistance and support networks in the most highly impacted areas. (Click the arrow to expand each section.)
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In Georgia, the challenge is particularly acute. Despite having a state surplus, the Georgia SNAP program needs $60 million to continue, and the decision has been made that the state will not fund SNAP benefits temporarily, leading to inevitable SNAP delays and backlogs. Local organizations are stepping up to fill the immediate gap.
Local Heroism & Community Action: Atlanta nonprofit hosts Harvest Hope, YMCA launches food drive to help community, Organizations brace for possible SNAP disruptions, and general coverage of efforts in the state: The Ledger-Enquirer.
Corporate & Community Support: DoorDash rolls out emergency food response program as the cutoff looms.
Direct Appeals: Local leaders are making urgent pleas as food insecurity soars among families: Paul Clements pleads for help.
Policy Context: The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) provides a critical look at the state-level decision-making: GBPI Responds to SNAP Funding Amidst Government Shutdown.
Find Assistance - Georgia Food Resources:
Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB): The primary hub for support in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Visit ACFB
Golden Harvest Food Bank: Use their comprehensive tool to find a food pantry near you. Find Help - Food Pantry Finder
Metro Atlanta Food Resource Guide: 11Alive: Food Resources Metro Atlanta/North Georgia
Midtown Assistance Center
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Over 1.6 million people in the DMV region rely on SNAP. The response here is notable for Virginia's proactive state-level funding decision and D.C.'s legal action.
State Action & Legal Challenges:
Virginia Governor Youngkin declared a State of Emergency to use state funds to continue SNAP benefits for November. Virginia DSS SNAP Facts.
D.C. Attorney General Schwalb has also sued the federal government. From Schwalb’s Office.
Find Assistance: DMV Food Banks:
Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB): Leads the regional effort, working with hundreds of partners across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Capital Area Food Bank
D.C. Food Resources by Ward: Comprehensive list of local pantries, soup kitchens, and mutual aid groups. DC Food Project: Food Access
Maryland Resources: The Maryland Department of Human Services is directing the state's 680,000 SNAP recipients to local and state resources, including the CAFB and the Maryland Food Bank.
Virginia Local Help: Hunger relief activities are coordinated by The Federation of Virginia Food Banks.
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The Chicago area, served by expansive food networks, is mobilizing quickly to meet the spike in demand caused by the SNAP halt.
Key Food Networks: The Greater Chicago Food Depository works with over 700 partner agencies to provide meals and food assistance across Cook County. Greater Chicago Food Depository.
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Texas, with one of the highest populations of food-insecure people in the country, faces immense strain as 3.5 million Texans are at risk of losing benefits. Food banks are treating this like a natural disaster.
Crisis Scale: The SNAP cutoff means over $600 million per month won't flow into the state economy, affecting 11% of the state's population. Texas Tribune: SNAP benefit pause.
Food Bank Emergency Response: Feeding Texas and the Houston Food Bank are ramping up distributions, with Houston Food Bank launching "super distribution" events to serve thousands of federal workers and SNAP recipients weekly. Houston Food Bank steps up food distribution.
Find Assistance: Texas: Find your nearest food bank using the tool provided by Feeding Texas. Feeding Texas Food Bank Locator.
Hardest Hit Counties: The crisis is most severe in major metro areas, with Harris, Dallas, and Bexar counties being identified as having the highest number of families eligible for SNAP. Chron: Texas counties hit hardest by shutdown.
Take Action Now: Protect SNAP Benefits
The impending SNAP shutdown is not just a budget impasse; it’s an imminent national food security catastrophe affecting over 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans. While nonprofits and local communities are heroically activating disaster response efforts, only a permanent, bipartisan solution from Congress can prevent a massive hunger crisis.
Your representatives and Senators need to hear from you immediately. By urging them to prioritize a clear resolution to end the government shutdown and ensure the immediate, continued funding of this essential program, you become a direct voice for the most vulnerable families in your community.
Take two minutes now—your advocacy can directly influence policy and protect millions from losing their only means to put food on the table this November. You can find a quick, auto-populated letter template and contact tool through No Kid Hungry to send your message to your US Senators and Representative right away.
