November may prove to be difficult for numerous households. Recently, President Donald Trump suggested he might disregard a court ruling and persist in withholding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this month, a position that was subsequently reversed by White House officials, amid a turbulent financial environment for millions of Americans.

Anti-hunger organizations and advocates for food justice have cautioned federal authorities that the ongoing halt in funding could result in widespread food insecurity as the government shutdown extends beyond the current record of 35 days. SNAP beneficiaries can anticipate decreased benefit payouts in the upcoming weeks unless Congress takes prompt action.

Hunger relief organizations have been getting ready for such a scenario for several months, as this is not the first instance of cuts to SNAP. In 2023, the federal government reduced emergency SNAP allotments included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, cutting benefits that had previously kept over 4 million Americans above the poverty line. The cuts this month are projected to affect more than 40 million Americans who receive monthly SNAP benefits.

Extra assistance is available if required.

How to discover additional SNAP benefits in your locality

Numerous state governments have intervened to bridge the gaps in SNAP funding while waiting for legislative outcomes. Eight states — Maryland, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia — along with the District of Columbia will offer direct financial assistance to SNAP beneficiaries, as reported by Newsweek.

Last week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, designating $65 million in emergency funds for the state’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations, including the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program as well as food surplus rescue entity Nourish NY.

City governments are also extending help. San Francisco is providing prepaid grocery cards to residents participating in the CalFresh program.

Check if your state is offering temporary aid using this online map.

To find state-specific SNAP program details, utilize the USDA’s online directory.

Make use of food banks, community fridges, and further assistance

Many individuals might look to the nation’s network of food banks, which have been organizing extensive food distribution events with prepackaged boxes of food.

The nonprofit Feeding America has an online tool for locating food banks in your area if you need to address nutrition deficits and supplement grocery purchases. Hunger Free America also has its own food directory that can connect individuals to local food banks and soup kitchens. It operates the National Hunger Hotline as well. Call 866-3-HUNGRY (866-348-6479) for additional assistance.

It is important to mention that food banks were impacted by recent funding cuts from the Trump administration, which some have labeled a widespread “erosion of federal food support.” A crucial resource for many communities, food banks are likely to face comparable resource limitations this month.

You can discover further food assistance through independent food helplines like Lemontree, which links individuals with free food opportunities in their vicinity. Lemontree operates in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Columbus, Detroit, New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.

Many advocates have urged individuals to reach out to local mutual aid groups, food pantries, and community fridge networks to locate meals as well. Explore this global map of community fridges.

In addition to grassroots efforts, companies such as Instacart and Doordash have conducted emergency food drives and directed donations into food banks and rescue networks. Instacart and Doordash also announced their own SNAP emergency programs, which include free and discounted grocery deliveries alongside national food drives. The grocery delivery applications began accepting SNAP and EBT payments in 2023.

Simultaneously, industry-related organizations have initiated programs to aid SNAP beneficiaries. For instance, One Fair Wage, an advocacy group for restaurant and service workers, announced a Service Workers’ SNAP Emergency Fund. Service workers and their families may apply for direct cash assistance if they qualify for the SNAP program.