JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Thousands of Mississippi households could soon feel the impact of the ongoing government shutdown. More than 350,000 Mississippians rely on SNAP benefits each month.

If the federal government shutdown continues, officials with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) said federally funded SNAP benefits for November 2025 will be unavailable.

MDHS officials said they received notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) about the decision.

Officials said the USDA FNS has directed states not to transmit the EBT issuances files to EBT vendors until further notice. As a result, no new SNAP benefits will be issued for November unless federal guidance changes.

SNAP recipients will be able to use existing benefits received prior to November 1, 2025.

Due to the pause, local food pantries are preparing for an increased need.

“We anticipate more people coming to us, especially now as the government shutdown has kind of extended a little bit longer. And the end of the month, people were expecting to get SNAP benefits, and we hear that it’s not going to happen. And so, we do expect for more people to be coming to us, and getting a food assistance,” said Timothy Delaney-Major, with The Salvation Army in Jackson.

Delaney said The Salvation Army works year-round to make sure no one goes hungry and that effort becomes even more critical during uncertain times like this.

“We need to supplement food on the table. And so, people are running low at the end of the month, and they don’t have finances to actually go purchase food. So, we want to help supplement that and get them over, through this process until the government shutdown is over,” he said.

MDHS encourages SNAP recipients to prioritize using their SNAP benefits to stock up on eligible shelf-stable food items such as canned goods before the end of the month. Starting November 1, there is uncertainty about whether SNAP clients across the country will be able to access their benefits from previous months throughout the remainder of the federal government shutdown.

According to MDHS, existing clients are reminded to fulfill all requirements to maintain SNAP eligibility. MDHS will provide updates to beneficiaries and retailers as the situation develops.

SNAP clients and community groups are encouraged to click here for the latest information on SNAP updates and a comprehensive list of local food resources. 

There are resources to help people in need, including the Mississippi Food Network, Mid-South Food Bank, and Catholic Charities of South MS.