Hey Budget Bytes community, Jess here.
Our team always want this space to be a comfort zone; a place to find delicious, affordable food that makes your life a little easier. But sometimes, being a voice for budget-conscious living means having a hard conversation about the realities of keeping food on the table.
Right now, a lot of us are facing uncertainty, and I want to address the elephant in the kitchen: the potential disruption to SNAP benefits in November due to the current government shutdown.
• SNAP Benefits Delays: Due to the government shutdown, November SNAP benefits could be delayed or completely unavailable. Make sure your paperwork is up to date to avoid further delays.
What to Do Now:
How You Can Help:
Here’s what’s happening. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps”) is being directly affected by the current federal government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which runs the program, has instructed state agencies to hold November issuance files until Congress passes a funding plan. That means:
SNAP is a crucial resource for over 40 million Americans each month. If you have been following Budget Bytes for a long time, you know we are passionate about raising awareness when it comes to food insecurity and trying to help stretch every dollar. If this uncertainty has you feeling anxious, that’s completely understandable. For updates specific to your area, check your state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) or Department of Social Services (DSS) website—they’ll have the most accurate, local information.
This community is built on feeding each other well while making the most of every dollar, and now’s the time to put that resourcefulness to work. I don’t know about you, but when simply putting one foot in front of the other feels like an impossible task, I ask for help. We’re here for you, and I truly believe our Budget Bytes community is here for each other!
If you’re worried about a gap in benefits, here are a few steps you can take right now.
If you have remaining funds on your EBT card, plan carefully. Focus on items that last a long time, are filling, and pack solid nutrition.
Need some recipe inspiration? Our Vegetarian Chili has a high yield and can easily be turned into a variety of meals. If you need more convincing, it also freezes extremely well! Vegetarian Nachos? No problem. Chili dogs? Coming right up. Protein-packed breakfast burrito? You bet. We also have a lengthy list of recipes for under $5 on the blog to give you more ideas.
Local organizations are the first to step up when there’s a disruption like this. If you need help, reach out early.
If your food budget is steady right now, you can make a big difference for neighbors and families who are struggling.
Food banks and pantries are overwhelmed with demand and often short-staffed.
Sometimes the best help is personal. Check in with friends, neighbors, or coworkers who might be affected.
The stigma around asking for help is real, even though it shouldn’t exist. There’s this myth that food banks are “only for people who are really desperate,” but that’s just not true. Life happens—jobs end, bills pile up, benefits get delayed—and everyone deserves access to good, nourishing food. Food banks and community programs exist because we all need support sometimes. There’s no shame in using the resources that are there to help you get through a tough spot.
Think of it this way—you’re doing what good cooks do best: making the most of what’s available. Leaning on your community doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re smart enough to reach for the tools that keep you moving forward. These tough seasons don’t last forever, and they don’t define you. You’re still doing your best, and that’s enough.
This community is strong because we care about making good food affordable and accessible—and because we take care of each other. SNAP is an essential support system for millions of families, and while this uncertainty is stressful, we can get through it by planning ahead, sharing what we can, and keeping that sense of community alive.
Like I urged in my last SNAP post over the summer when we first heard about the looming SNAP cuts and restrictions, now is the time to speak up (and vote!). Contact your state reps if you’re worried about how these changes could affect you or your community. A U.S. Capitol Switchboard operator can connect you directly with the Senate office for your state: (202) 224-3121. Your engagement is critical to shaping policy outcomes.
Stay safe, and keep cooking,
Jess
The post Shelf-Stable Strategies: Preparing for SNAP Disruptions appeared first on Budget Bytes.