Assuming the government shutdown continues beyond Oct. 31, families across the state — including in Holland — will go without SNAP benefits in November.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to low-income families for affordable, healthy food.
In recent weeks, the USDA — which oversees the program — has warned funding for November could be jeopardized if the shutdown continues. In a prominent new message on the agency’s website, the USDA said no benefits will be issued Nov. 1.
The department’s shutdown contingency plan previously said the agency has a reserve of contingency funds, which can be used to pay benefits directly. The plan, which was issued in September, has since been removed online.
In a letter shared with USA TODAY, however, the USDA clarified contingency money is available only “to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits.”
“The contingency fund is not available to support FY 2026 regular benefits,” the letter read, adding states cannot pay for SNAP and be reimbursed, even if they’re willing to do so.
“The best way for (the program) to continue is for the shutdown to end,” the letter read.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 22 of her counterparts and three governors Oct. 28 in filing a lawsuit against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for “unlawfully suspending (SNAP) … due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.”
Where can residents find assistance in Holland?
There are numerous places to find assistance near Holland, for families in need of free and affordable food. They include:
Other local resources
— Contact reporter Tess Ware at tware@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Here’s where you can find healthy, affordable food without SNAP in Holland
Reporting by Tess Ware, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
