The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prepare for possible delays or disruptions in their benefits if the federal government shutdown continues into November.
DHS officials said they are awaiting guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, but early indications suggest the shutdown could delay benefit issuance. The department is working with food banks and community partners across the state to prepare for a potential gap in assistance.
“SNAP is a critical program that helps ensure families all across our state have access to nutritious foods, and even a brief disruption is problematic,” said DHS Secretary Janet Mann. “Arkansans have a history of coming together to help each other in difficult times. Please check on friends, family, and neighbors, and donate time or money to food banks if you are able. Let’s do everything we can to support one another so that no family goes hungry.”
DHS urges SNAP households to plan ahead
DHS is advising SNAP participants to take the following steps before Nov. 1:
- Identify local food pantries, churches, and community organizations that can provide temporary food assistance. The Arkansas Foodbank offers an online directory searchable by city or ZIP code.
- Reach out to family or friends who may be able to help with food purchases if there is a lapse in benefits.
- Use any remaining SNAP funds this week to buy shelf-stable foods that can last through November; purchases may not be allowed if the federal system shuts down.
- Check eligibility for other programs such as WIC or school-based meal services.
- Visit humanservices.arkansas.gov/u/SNAP for updates.
DHS said the shutdown may also cause delays in processing new applications or renewals, though recipients should continue to submit all required paperwork and report household changes as usual. Other programs such as ARHOME, ARKids First A and B, and Medicaid are not expected to be immediately affected because state funding covers those through year’s end.
SNAP by the numbers
As of Sept. 1, more than 222,000 Arkansans in 118,000 households received SNAP benefits. In fiscal year 2024, the program assisted about 240,100 residents, or roughly 8 percent of the state’s population—one in every 13 people. Nationally, SNAP reached about 41.7 million participants, or 12 percent of the U.S. population…