USDA announces there are no plans to fund November SNAP benefits
A website notice states ‘the well has run dry’ and that no benefits will be issued
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be paid out in November as the federal government shutdown continues, having begun Oct. 1.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” a website notice states. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”
Benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends.
Earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families first announced that benefits may not be paid out if the shutdown continues. Just last week, the state informed SNAP recipients that benefits would not be paid.
Statewide, more than 440,000 Minnesotans utilize SNAP. According to USDA data, from May 2024 to May 2025, the number of Minnesotans participating in SNAP remained steady, decreasing .6%.
In North Dakota, where more than 57,000 residents receive SNAP benefits, the state said it will also be unable to pay November SNAP benefits if the federal shutdown continues into next month. Benefits will be paused on Nov. 1. Just like in Minnesota, North Dakota is waiting for the shutdown to end or for further federal guidance.
USDA data shows that from May 2024 to May 2025, North Dakotans participating in SNAP jumped 13.8%, from 50,220 people participating in May 2024 to 57,129 participating in May 2025.
Nationwide, roughly one in eight Americans uses SNAP benefits.
Churches United is expecting a surge in Dorothy Day Food Pantry usage and guests visiting the Micah’s Mission Community Center kitchen for a hot meal, served twice a day from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. Micah’s Mission is located at 1901 First Ave. N, Moorhead.
Dorothy Day Food Pantry is located at 1308 Main Ave., Moorhead. The pantry is a consumer-choice model pantry where people can come inside and shop at our pantry. No identification or income verification required.
Pantry hours are:
Tuesday: Noon to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 3-6 p.m.
Thursday: Noon to 3 p.m.
The pantry is closed Monday, Friday and Sunday
If you would like to donate food items, contact Donations and Volunteer Coordinator Keely, keelyh@churches-united.org. You can also make a monetary donation on our website.