Nearly 42 million Americans could miss November SNAP benefits as the government shutdown reaches day 28 and Congress nears a Nov. 1 cutoff with no deal. Analysts warn of a rush to food banks, weaker confidence, and a shift toward low-margin staples—with theft risk—as aid lapses. SNAP averages $187 a month; 73% of recipients live below the poverty line. Retailers from Walmart to Kroger face pressure; Wolfe Research’s Spencer Hanus says Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Act cuts SNAP by about 20% and could shave 1.5%–2% from retail sales.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.