Government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans as funding expires Saturday, leaving low-income families without food assistance.

The continuation of the government shutdown threatens access to federal food assistance programs for millions of Americans.

Michigan joined a multi-state lawsuit seeking federal contingency funds for SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown.

An average of 41.7 million people, or 12.3 % of the U.S. population, received SNAP benefits each month in Fiscal Year 2024, according to the USDA. October 2025 reports indicate that about 42 million Americans participate in SNAP monthly.

The government shutdown has frozen SNAP funding for 42 million Americans. Food banks warn shelves are emptying fast as states struggle to fill the gap.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — more commonly known as SNAP, or food stamps — is a key benefits program that serves more than 40 million people across the country. Now, the shutdown is threatening to suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

In Pennsylvania, SNAP provides more than $366 million in benefits to about two million families, including 713,000 children.

The Double Up Food Bucks program is expanding to help SNAP recipients in Michigan stretch their benefits further during the government shutdown and pause in benefits.