Concern is growing over the government shutdown, which is entering its third week, and what it means for federally-funded initiatives, specifically the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ).

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP benefits—often referred to as food stamps—helped more than 41million people in the U.S. in 2024. SNAP decreases the likelihood of food insecurity by roughly 30% and the likelihood of being very food insecure by 20%, according to the USDA.

But amid the government shutdown, with Republicans and Democrats locked in a bitter stalemate over spending and health care items, SNAP recipients are at risk of not getting the stamps that enable them to buy essential groceries.

California's Gov. Gavin Newsom, a long-time critic of

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