JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Oct. 20, 2025) — The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced Monday that the state will be unable to issue November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
According to a press release issued by DSS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) informed state agencies that there is not sufficient federal funding available to issue benefits for the upcoming month. SNAP benefits are entirely federally funded and administered through USDA-FNS.
“We are closely monitoring this situation, and benefits will be issued as soon as federal funds become available,” said Jess Bax, DSS Director, in the department’s press statement. “We encourage SNAP participants to look at the potential of using their October balance to stretch into November if possible given this situation.”
Mandi Adams, Director of the Family Support Division (FSD), added in the same release: “We understand the uncertainty caused by the shutdown. FSD’s team is committed to keeping Missourians informed of any changes.”
Impact on Missouri Households
The announcement means that SNAP recipients will not receive their regular November payments unless federal lawmakers reach an agreement to reopen the government. DSS said it will continue processing new applications, mid-certifications, and reported changes submitted on or after Nov. 1, but no benefits will be distributed until funding resumes.
DSS is urging Missourians to review local food resources such as pantries and community programs and to follow the department’s website and social-media channels for updates.
Joey Keys, Board Chair of Feeding Missouri and CEO of the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, said food banks are bracing for a potential surge in need.
“Missouri’s food banks have worked to prepare in anticipation of increased need caused by the federal shutdown and impacts to SNAP benefits,” Keys said. “We stand ready to help neighbors as far as our resources allow. However, we cannot do this alone. Now, more than ever we need our communities to support their food banks.”
Federal Context
The federal government entered a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass spending legislation. The USDA warned state agencies earlier this month that contingency funds are depleted and that SNAP payments could be interrupted for about 42 million Americans nationwide if the shutdown continues into November, according to Axios and The Associated Press.
Other states, including Texas and Kansas, have also announced they were instructed to delay November SNAP payments. USDA officials have said they will resume funding “as soon as appropriations are enacted.”
Missouri’s Food Security at Risk
Missouri advocates warn that a disruption of SNAP payments could have serious consequences. The Missouri Budget & Policy Center previously estimated that reductions or interruptions in SNAP could create a $400 million shortfall in food purchasing power statewide, affecting low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Until Congress resolves the shutdown, DSS said the department will continue monitoring developments and “keep Missourians informed.”
For updates and resources, residents can visit mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts.
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