The SNAP Whiplash Dance

If one were to create a series of dance steps that illustrate food distribution, it would look like the following: step back, step forward, step back, three steps forward, step back, and a long step back.

Mid-Oct 2025 (Step Back) The USDA states that November SNAP benefits won’t be funded if the government shutdown continues. Millions face a potential complete loss of food assistance.

Oct 31, 2025 (Step Forward) Federal judges issue rulings finding the suspension of benefits unlawful and demand that the administration indicate if it will use contingency funds for at least partial funding.

Nov 1, 2025 (Step Back) SNAP funding officially lapses as the shutdown enters its second month, and the November 1st benefit payments are cut off.

Nov 3, 2025 (Step Forward) The Trump administration announces it will restart SNAP benefits, but only at half the normal payment amount, using a contingency fund. Partial relief is authorized.

Nov 6 (Morning) (Step Forward) A U.S. District Court judge orders the administration to find enough money to restore full SNAP benefit funding by the end of the day. A major win for recipients.

Nov 6 (Evening) (Step Forward) The USDA issues guidance confirming they will be fully funding November SNAP benefits. Several states (including Wisconsin) had already processed and loaded the full SNAP benefits onto recipients’ EBT cards.

Nov 7 (Late) (Step Back) The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocks the full SNAP benefits order while a lower court considers a lasting pause. States are forced to revert to the partial payment plan.

Nov 9 (Long Step Back) The administration demands a “refund” (clawback) of the full benefits already loaded onto cards by several states, creating massive confusion, and new SNAP applications are paused.

The absurdity of the SNAP funding crisis and the constant reversals would almost be comical if it didn’t involve the real, dire suffering of millions of hungry Americans.

We don’t know where this dance ends, but one thing is for certain. We desperately need your donation. Jo Daviess Local Foods (JDLF) Collective, Food Security Coordinator Cindy Tegtmeyer, the Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County, and a group of concerned citizens created a SNAP Emergency Fund Dispersal. We will pool your donations and provide gift cards to SNAP recipients to temporarily fill the funding gap.

The Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County has an existing Food Insecurity Fund. This fund supports programs and initiatives that impact food insecurity.

Mail a check to Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County, PO Box 77, Elizabeth, IL 61028. Memo: CFJC Food Insecurity Fund – SNAP.

Questions? Cindy Tetgmeyer at Cindy@jdlf.org