On Oct. 1, 2025, the United States government shut down due to Congress’s failed funding legislation for 2026. This shutdown will impact many federal programs, including EBT and SNAP benefits.
This isn’t the first time the U.S. has seen a government shutdown. The first shutdown happened on Nov. 20, 1981, and lasted roughly three days. This was because President Ronald Reagan had vetoed a funding bill. Throughout the years, more shutdowns have occurred, but the current government shutdown is now the longest to occur, passing the 35-day shutdown in late 2018..
The U.S. government offers many programs that are designed to help the nation and its citizens who struggle financially. But as of the recent shutdown, many of those programs that were provided will no longer be funded or will come with very few benefits. This will heavily affect many Americans who use those benefits, and some won’t be able to provide or afford many services out of pocket.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 600,000 Indiana residents received SNAP benefits in the 2024 fiscal year.
As The Arc communications director Jackie Dilworth stated in a recent press release, “A shutdown creates delays and confusion for families trying to keep benefits and services on track. If the lapse continues, more programs that depend on yearly funding may be disrupted.”
Starting on Nov. 1, EBT and SNAP benefits were no longer accessible due to the government shutdown. President Trump refused to use any emergency funding to help keep those benefits, which has posed a huge risk of over 40 million Americans losing their food stamps and not being able to make ends meet, especially with the holidays approaching.
“I am afraid to say that this does impact my mother,” senior James Holmes said. “She relies on these food stamps to cover most-needed groceries every week. “Without food stamps and EBT, it’s harder for her to afford groceries, and we’ll have to rely on smaller foods and meals per day, as my mom only works one remote job, doing her best to provide for two children and one cat.”
The government shutdown impacts many American citizens because the services provided by the government are used to help families of less income and financial struggles make ends meet, but with the government shutdown it impacts many Americans who won’t be able to provide not only for themselves, but for their children and many in our local area around us that are also affected by this, but many food banks are donating food for those who lost those government benefits and retailers are offering goods for the holiday season at a much affordable price range.
According to reporting from WFYI, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced during a recent press conference at Bethel AME Church that there would be emergency funding given to many of these food banks for assistance and distribution events. Many community members have also stepped up to donate to various food pantries and churches in recent weeks.
“For those who are currently facing food insecurity, I have just one message: Your city is here for you,” Hogsett said.