Introduction
Government shutdowns can feel overwhelming, especially when food and family stability are on the line. At mRelief, we believe every family deserves dignity and peace of mind and we'll continue to keep you informed and supported.
On October 1, 2025, the government experienced a shutdown due to Congress's inability to reach an agreement on a bill to fund government services beyond September. Here's what you should know.
Your current SNAP benefits will continue.
If you already receive SNAP, your benefits for October 2025 will still be loaded onto your EBT card. The government prioritizes keeping food assistance flowing, even during a shutdown.
New applications may face delays.
If you're applying for SNAP for the first time, states may continue processing applications, but federal support staff are limited. This could slow down approvals in some places. “SNAP applications and the ability for employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to send out new benefits could be affected by a shutdown,” says U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen.
Customer service could be limited.
National hotlines and federal offices that help with SNAP may not be fully staffed. For help, it's best to contact your local SNAP office, call your caseworker, or check up on your case status through your state's SNAP portal.
Programs connected to SNAP may be affected.
WIC seems more at risk than SNAP in terms of immediacy. The National WIC Association "anticipates that WIC has enough funding on hand to remain open for the short term." Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), an anti-hunger advocacy nonprofit, urges WIC recipients to "continue to use their benefits and attend scheduled appointments while eligible people should continue to apply.” To stay up-to-date on WIC, refer to your state's WIC agency website or app.
What happens if the shutdown continues?
It is unclear. "If a shutdown extends beyond mid-October, USDA could technically tap its contingency reserve funding to cover SNAP costs," says FRAC. "Under the prior administration, this reserve stood at $6 billion, but it is unclear how much remains available or whether the current administration would choose to use it."
What’s at stake?
If the shutdown continues, millions of families could face uncertainty about future benefits, while states struggle with fewer federal resources. This instability risks widening food insecurity at a moment when families most need consistency.
There may be more food and resources available near you.
FindHelp: Find food banks, financial, housing assistance and more.
FoodFinder: Find food pantries near you.
SNAP Outreach Programs: Find help applying for SNAP near you.
USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (7am – 10pm ET) or text FOOD to 914-342-7744 to find food resources near you.
FullCart.org: Sign up for free food delivered to your door (waitlisted).
Stay informed.
If the shutdown continues, states will issue updates about how benefits may be adjusted in future months. Check your state SNAP website or call your local office for the most reliable information.
Take action.
Contact your local representatives to urge them to prioritize funding for vital programs like SNAP and WIC. You can quickly find your elected officials here: Find Your Representative.
Share the blog post with your friends, family and community members so they know what’s at stake.
How can mRelief help?
If you or someone you know needs support, mRelief is here. Our free SNAP screener makes it easy to check eligibility and apply for SNAP benefits, so families can focus on putting food on the table, even in uncertain times. And if you aren’t eligible, we’ll connect you with local resources that can help. Text 'FOOD' or 'COMIDA' to 74544 to get started. Or complete the screener online at screen.mrelief.com.