Large states stand to lose the most federal funding, but a higher percentage of the population receives food assistance in some smaller states.
More than 41 million Americans won’t receive federal help buying groceries in November unless Congress reopens the government. “The well has run dry,” the Department of Agriculture wrote on its website on October 27. The department oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves about 12 percent of the U.S. population.
The government shutdown began on October 1 after the Senate failed to advance a stopgap funding resolution introduced by Republicans. This resolution would have temporarily funded the government while Congress completed the 2026 spending legislation. Nearly all Democrats have rejected the measure until Republicans agree on proposals to extend health care funding expiring at the end of the year. Republicans contend that those negotiations should happen within the context of regular spending talks, not as a condition for reopening the government.
### States Receiving the Most SNAP Funding
SNAP funding totaled more than $7.8 billion in May 2025, the last month for which data is available. Nearly half of all SNAP funds went to seven large-population states that month.
– **California** received the largest share at more than $1 billion, about 13 percent of the total.
– **New York** received $647 million.
– **Texas** received $614 million.
– Other top recipients included Florida ($536 million), Illinois ($368 million), Pennsylvania ($368 million), and Ohio ($356 million).
Together, these seven states received 49 percent of the food assistance benefits in May 2025 and served approximately 49 percent of all SNAP recipients.
Total SNAP spending reached $99.8 billion in fiscal year 2024. Now, states are preparing for the possibility of no SNAP funding in November.
### Concerns and Warnings from States
A New York State Department of Social Services website carries this warning:
“Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits may be delayed. SNAP benefits cannot be issued for November unless the federal government shutdown ends or other federal action provides necessary funding.” The site promised those receiving assistance an update by November 1.
California Governor Gavin Newsom warned residents on October 20 that food assistance funds would likely be delayed in November if the shutdown lasted beyond October 23.
The ongoing stalemate in Washington threatens millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. As negotiations continue, the impact of the funding lapse is becoming increasingly urgent.
*By Lawrence Wilson*
https://www.thethinkingconservative.com/these-states-lose-most-if-federal-food-aid-runs-out/