Millions of people across the country could see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance dry up during the government shutdown amid a fight between the Trump administration and Democrats.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released guidance Friday saying it won’t use the SNAP contingency funding, which Congress has allocated for emergency scenarios, if the shutdown extends beyond Friday.

Democrats blasted the move, which appears designed to maximize the pressure on ending the shutdown.

Here are five takeaways on the unfolding fight.

42 million Americans set to lose support

SNAP provided benefits to about 41.7 million Americans in fiscal 2024, according to a monthly average calculated by the USDA. That year, the government spent $99.8 billion on SNAP, a monthly average of $187.20 per participant.

SNAP benefits are funded by the federal government, while states operate and share the cost of administering the program and distributing its benefits. Because funding is sent to states monthly, October benefits were not impacted — but November payments could be at risk.

Democrats urge USDA to tap reserves

The USDA argues the contingency fund was designed to respond to unforeseen events, like natural disasters, and the current shutdown doesn’t qualify because it was manufactured by Democrats,

© The Hill