Oct 29, 2025
Since the beginning of October the Federal Government has been shut down, meaning many government programs won’t be funded until Congress agrees to fund the government. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal agency responsible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), has told states that federal funding is suspended for the month of November. The states are in charge of running SNAP but the Federal Government is in charge of funding it. The USDA has emergency money it can use to fund SNAP benefits during the shutdown but so far, the USDA has told the states they will not use it.
Here are the 5 things you should know about SNAP right now:
- If federally funded benefits stop, you can still use any other funds on your EBT card in November, like unspent SNAP from prior months, NM Works (TANF) or General Assistance. WIC Benefits will also continue, but that program uses a separate card. The funding for WIC benefits has already been appropriated.
- If you need SNAP, you can still apply and should renew your benefits. Once the shutdown ends, you will receive retroactive benefits if you qualify.
- If you need help finding food, you can use the Food Finder Map: https://www.rrfb.org/findhelp/find-food/ OR call the food assistance line at 505.349.5340 or 575.523.4390 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
- You can get the latest information about your SNAP benefits by checking your YESNM Account or calling the Income Support Division at 1.800.283.4465.
- You can take action to protect SNAP
- 1.Fill out or share this survey for people who participate in SNAP. Along with our partners at the Western Center on Law and Poverty, we will use this information to advocate for continued benefits.
- 2.Write to the White House. Tell the President to direct the USDA to fund SNAP in November.
- 3.Call your Member of Congress and Senators. Thank them for their work fighting for critical programs like SNAP and Healthcare and urge them to keep fighting.
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