The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will suspend food assistance starting next week, leaving more than 40 million Americans without benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the government shutdown continues into its fourth week.

In a notice posted on its website, the USDA said that “the well has run dry,” blaming Democrats in the Senate for the budget deadlock that has crippled federal funding. SNAP, which supports one in every eight Americans, provides essential grocery benefits to millions of low-income families across the country.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration declined to use a contingency fund designed to sustain benefits during emergencies, arguing that the money should be reserved for natural disasters or similar crises.

Democrats slam Trump over funding decision

Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage over the administration’s refusal to tap the fund. Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and Angie Craig called the move “cruel and unlawful,” criticizing President Donald Trump for prioritizing foreign aid to Argentina and funding a new White House ballroom while domestic aid programs faltered.

In a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, House Democrats said “significant funding” remained available in SNAP’s contingency reserves and urged the department to release the funds immediately.

They also requested that any additional resources within the department be redirected to ensure the program could continue through November.

USDA defends position

In an internal memo obtained by US media outlets, Agriculture Secretary Rollins maintained that the reserve could only be used for “true emergencies,” primarily natural disasters. The department had earlier stated that a small number of employees would remain on duty to operate the program during the shutdown, citing “multi-year contingency funds” meant to keep benefits flowing to states.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the contingency fund would cover only about 60% of one month’s benefits, insufficient to fully support November disbursements.

Millions face hunger

SNAP provides reloadable debit cards to low-income Americans, enabling them to purchase essential groceries. A family of four typically receives around $715 per month — less than $6 per person per day.

While some states, including Massachusetts and California, have pledged to use their own funds or mobilize the National Guard to distribute food, officials warn these efforts will not cover the national shortfall. Massachusetts alone expects one million people to lose benefits, while other states say they lack sufficient reserves to fill the gap.

Charity food banks and local aid groups have also been mobilized to assist families facing immediate hunger risks.

The federal government shutdown entered its 26th day on Sunday, making it the second-longest in American history. With no sign of a resolution in Congress, millions of Americans remain uncertain about how they will afford groceries in the coming weeks.