The ongoing US government shutdown threatens to cut off food aid for approximately 42 million Americans relying on SNAP, the country's largest anti-hunger program, which has never been disrupted this way since its inception during the Great Depression. The Department of Agriculture announced it will not tap into its $6 billion contingency fund to pay November benefits if the shutdown persists, leading to fears that these benefits, averaging $187 per month per recipient, may not be available. The shutdown is also impacting WIC, a nutrition program for pregnant women and young children, which is expected to run out of funds within weeks despite some states attempting to fill the gap. The situation has prompted states to prepare for increased demand at food banks, with Virginia declaring a state of emergency and California sending National Guard troops to support food assistance efforts. SNAP beneficiaries include seniors, families with children, veterans, and people with disabilities, with many relying solely on this aid to meet basic needs. The program is at risk of being further impacted by new work requirements set to take effect on November 1, which could push 2.4 million people off the program over the next decade. The USDA has indicated that benefits will not be paid in November unless Congress intervenes, despite calls from advocates and local governments to use available contingency reserves and other funds to prevent disruptions. President Trump has stated that everyone will be in good shape, but there is no clear legal authority for the USDA to use contingency funds for regular benefits, raising concerns about the potential for unprecedented disruption in food aid. The shutdown has also affected other nutrition programs, with WIC's funding potentially depleting within weeks. States and food banks are preparing for a surge in demand, but advocates warn that emergency efforts cannot replace federal funding. The situation underscores the critical importance of SNAP and WIC in providing basic nutrition to vulnerable populations amid political impasses.