WASHINGTON — As the Democrat Shutdown ends its first full month and November 1 approaches, the real-world consequences are mounting. Important programs that millions of low-income parents, children, and seniors depend on — from grocery assistance to early education — are on the verge of collapse.
While House Republicans passed a clean, nonpartisan funding bill weeks ago to keep these benefits available, Democrats continue to block it — admitting that the shutdown is one of the few times Democrats have “leverage,” even if it means hurting American families.
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AT RISK
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program face imminent funding lapses under the Democrat Shutdown.
SNAP BENEFITS
- Tens of millions of Americans who rely on SNAP are at risk of losing their November benefits if Democrats refuse to end the shutdown.
- Food banks nationwide are already bracing for a surge in demand as families prepare for their benefits to freeze.
- The USDA confirmed that its $5 billion contingency fund cannot be used for regular SNAP payments since those funds are reserved for disaster relief, not monthly benefits.
- NOTE: There are twice as many Americans are on SNAP than are on Obamacare market.
“The best way for SNAP to continue is for the shutdown to end.”
(USDA Memo, Oct. 24, 2025)
WIC Program
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves about 6.5 million mothers and young children each month — and is now a day away from running out of funding.
- WIC continued running through the month of October because the Trump administration reassigned $300 million keep the program afloat. But it was only enough for a few weeks.
HEAD START PROGRAMS ON THE BRINK
Notices have begun going out to Head Start programs across the country, warning that their grants could be in jeopardy if the shutdown continues into November — potentially throwing tens of thousands of preschool children and their families into limbo.
- Head Start serves about 750,000 children nationwide, providing free child care, early education, health screenings, and meals for low-income families with children under six years old.
- The Democrat Shutdown is jeopardizing funding for about 140 programs serving nearly 65,000 children.
- Some programs, like in Tallahassee, FL, already missed October funding and are closing their doors after burning through reserves.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Democrats knew their shutdown would leave families hungry and classrooms dark — but they did it anyway, choosing political leverage and self-preservation over hardworking Americans.
“Every day gets better for us.”
Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
“Of course there will be families that are going to suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”
House Democrat Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.)
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