Murphy – Funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program continues an on-again, off-again, on-again sort-of roller coaster.
As of Monday, the U.S. government remained in a shutdown that began on Oct. 1, when funding for the fiscal year 2026 expired. This shutdown has become the longest in American history, although the Senate is advancing a legislative package intended to end the shutdown by extending temporary funding through Jan. 30, 2026.
The Senate cleared a major hurdle toward reopening the government Sunday night, when eight Democrats joined Republicans on a key vote to advance a federal funding measure, CNN reported.
There are still a number of steps ahead to end the historic shutdown – but party leaders believe lawmakers will end the stalemate this week, CNN reported. The House would also need to approve the legislation before it could be signed by President Donald Trump.
The status of SNAP funding is uncertain and has been disrupted due to a government shutdown and ongoing legal battles. While court rulings initially ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits, the administration appealed, leading to conflicting guidance for states.
The USDA is directing states to process and issue a partial benefit for November, which reflects a 35% reduction in maximum allotments. States that had already sent out full benefit payments were told to immediately undo those actions.
Those receiving less than the maximum may see a larger reduction, and in some cases, no benefit may be issued for this month. Households with one or two people will receive at least $16, even if their calculated benefit would otherwise be lower.
Cherokee County agencies, churches and citizens were scrambling to put together food relief for thousands of local residents whose SNAP benefits have been disrupted.
The Rev. Wil Posey of First United Methodist Church in Murphy said, “If the federal government shutdown continues, 2,300-plus families will lose food and nutrition benefits starting Nov. 1. That’s a loss of $720,000 in food benefits, and it is also money that goes into our local economy.”
Want to help feed the hungry?
- Host a food drive: Rally your business or organization to collect items.
- Donate funds: Your tax-deductible gift goes directly to local Cherokee County Food Pantries. Donate at tinyurl.com/givefoodcommunity.
- Volunteer time: Lend a hand at a local food pantry. Sign up at tinyurl.com/volunteerfoodcommunity.
- Food Resource Guide: Visit tinyurl.com/CherokeeCountyresourceguide.