Millions of low-income Americans face losing food aid on Nov. 1 as half of U.S. states plan to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Twenty-five states, including California, Alabama, Indiana, and New Jersey, are notifying participants that checks will not be issued next month, with the USDA instructing states to halt distributions until further notice.

States are struggling to cover benefits with their own funds and emergency federal support, which is rapidly depleting, while the Trump administration would need over $8 billion to keep SNAP fully funded if the shutdown continues.

SNAP serves more than 42 million people, providing an average of $187 per month for groceries, and the interruption comes just before Thanksgiving, increasing pressure on food banks, Politico has reported.

Even if a federal funding deal is reached, delays in restarting the program could postpone November benefits by several days.