USDA Orders States to Cut SNAP Benefits

✍🏽 By Dralys Editorial Team

Sources: USDA, Reuters, The Guardian, HuffPost, Politico

In the midst of a federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued an urgent memo to all states on Saturday, November 8, 2025, instructing them to “immediately undo any steps taken to issue full November SNAP benefits.”

In other words, the federal government is telling states to reverse or halt efforts to distribute full food stamp benefits to low-income families this month.

What Is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) commonly known as food stamps helps low-income individuals and families afford groceries each month. More than 40 million Americans rely on this program to meet their daily food needs.

What the USDA Is Demanding

According to the memo:

“States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full November SNAP benefits.”

• States cannot issue 100% of monthly benefits for November.
• They must cancel or modify any full payments already scheduled.
• Those that refuse may lose federal administrative funding or be held financially liable for overpayments.

Why This Decision Was Made

The USDA says it lacks legal authorization to distribute full benefits during the ongoing federal shutdown, since Congress has not approved new funding. Without that approval, the agency claims it cannot lawfully continue full disbursements.

However, critics argue that this is a political move that punishes vulnerable families while food prices and living costs continue to rise.

States Are Pushing Back

Some states, including California and New York, had already begun sending full benefits after a federal court in Rhode Island temporarily allowed it. But the U.S. Supreme Court later blocked that ruling, giving the USDA power to enforce the new restriction.

Now, several states and advocacy groups are engaged in legal battles to defend families’ access to full benefits, with some exploring the use of state funds to cover the shortfall.

What It Means for Families

For millions of Americans, this order means they may receive reduced food assistance for the month of November. Food banks and community organizations across the country are already preparing for a surge in demand as families struggle to make ends meet.

Public Reaction

Many civil rights and anti-hunger organizations have condemned the decision, saying that “hunger should never be used as a political weapon.” They are calling on both Congress and the administration to find an immediate solution to restore full benefits.

At a time when grocery and housing costs are climbing, the USDA’s directive puts millions of low-income households at risk of food insecurity. Regardless of politics, one of America’s core values has always been to protect and uplift those most in need. Hunger should not be part of political negotiations.

Sources & References

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Memo, November 8 2025
• Reuters
• The Guardian
• HuffPost – Sanjana Karanth
• Politico

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