UPDATE: The ongoing government shutdown is plunging millions of Americans into a crisis of hunger and inadequate health care. As of Nov. 1, 2025, essential financial support has been halted, leaving countless families without the means to afford food or medical care.
URGENT: Reports confirm that 40 million Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are facing unprecedented uncertainty. For the first time in history, the federal government is not disbursing SNAP benefits, leaving families in dire need. This decision is expected to exacerbate food insecurity across the nation as families struggle to put meals on the table.
In a shocking turn of events, $5 billion in emergency funds earmarked for SNAP has gone untouched, even as food banks prepare for an overwhelming surge in demand. Officials warn that the pressure on these already strained resources will skyrocket, intensifying the risk of hunger for vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and current president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, expressed deep concern over the shutdown’s impact. “As leaders in Washington allow health care costs to skyrocket, they are also letting American communities go hungry,” he stated. “Hardworking Americans who play by the rules should not be punished like this.”
IMMEDIATE IMPACT: Families across the country are already feeling the brunt of this shutdown. For instance, Erin Jackson-Hill, an Alaska resident working multiple jobs, can no longer afford health coverage without the essential tax credits that have been eliminated. Similarly, Casey McBlain, a single mother in Maine, is now forced to delay paying her electric bills to ensure her children are fed.
The broader implications of this shutdown are staggering. More than 24 million people rely on health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, which has been significantly weakened without the federal support that helps make healthcare affordable. This cut in support comes as insurance premiums soar, leaving many families unable to cover their basic health needs.
WHAT’S NEXT: The consequences of this shutdown are dire, and immediate action is required. Leaders in Washington must put aside partisan games and work together to restore vital services. The public demands an end to this shutdown and the reinstatement of support programs that help American families stay healthy and fed.
As the clock ticks, the urgent call for action grows louder. Dr. Besser implores, “Helping people afford health care and food should not be a political fight.” The time for solutions is now.
In summary, the failure of Congress to act is not just a political failure; it is a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The ongoing government shutdown has left families vulnerable, and the stakes have never been higher. Share this urgent message and join the call for immediate action to support those in need.
