The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — more commonly known as SNAP, or food stamps — is a key benefits program that serves more than 40 million people across the country. Now, the shutdown is threatening to suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

Food aid for more than 40 million Americans is at risk of expiring at week's end. Republican leaders in Congress said it’s all or nothing Wednesday as they rejected a Democratic push for a temporary fix.

An average of 41.7 million people, or 12.3 % of the U.S. population, received SNAP benefits each month in Fiscal Year 2024, according to the USDA. October 2025 reports indicate that about 42 million Americans participate in SNAP monthly.

Lawmakers in Louisiana approved a resolution Wednesday to allow the state's Department of Health to use up to $150 million in funding for some people who would normally receive SNAP benefits.

City Council data from 2024 shows about 20% of New York City residents receive SNAP. In the Bronx, more than 40% of people rely on it.

The government shutdown has stretched into its fifth week, putting SNAP food assistance at risk for millions of Americans. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., joins The Weeknight with the latest.

The shutdown extending into November would have critical implications for SNAP Benefits. Republicans say there is no way to fund the program if the government remains closed, though Democrats have said the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a contigency plan that could keep the program funded through November.

Many food pantries in the Philadelphia region said they're serving more people now than at the height of the pandemic amid the government shutdown.

Wednesday's order offers support for Illinois farmers and their families. His order Thursday will direct the state to work with food banks and pantries, grocers, universities and others to mitigate cuts to the federal food assistance program.