USDA warned SNAP benefits would stop November 1, but a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, citing the “terror” the threat caused families. The Republican-backed Big Beautiful Bill limits Thrifty Food Plan updates to every five years and requires cost neutrality, curbing increases. In 2027, the federal share of SNAP administrative costs falls to 25 percent, burdening states and counties serving 14.6 million people, and immigrant eligibility narrows. The article argues the shutdown didn’t cause the crisis; it exposed policy choices eroding food aid.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.