The United States is on the brink of a food insecurity crisis as the historic government shutdown drags into its 36th day — now the longest in the nation’s history. The White House has confirmed that only partial food-stamp payments will be made to 42 million Americans relying on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), because funds are running dry.
Federal courts ruled that the administration must use a US$4.65 billion emergency reserve to support November benefits, but the cost is nearly double — approximately US$9 billion. With no additional funding expected, the Agriculture Department has stated that only 50 per cent of current benefit amounts will be disbursed.
Meanwhile, political tensions in Washington continue to deepen. Democrats are refusing to approve temporary funding without guarantees to extend healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act — lifelines for more than 20 million Americans. Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, insist that discussions will only resume once the government reopens.
As government operations remain frozen, the effects are spreading nationwide. Programs like WIC, which supports pregnant women and infants, are now nearing collapse. Early childhood centers under the Head Start initiative have already begun shutting down, affecting thousands of families.
Federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered emergency measures to protect food aid, yet the rollout remains uncertain. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that legal processes must be followed, offering no clear timeline for full benefit restoration.
Democrats, however, are pushing back strongly. Senator Patty Murray called the partial payments “unacceptable,” arguing the law is clear and full funding should never have been withheld.
