Atlanta, GA, October 24, 2025

News Summary

As the federal government shutdown looms, approximately 1.4 million Georgians may face a cutoff of SNAP benefits starting November 1 if Congress fails to reach an agreement. The USDA warns that funding is insufficient for November payments, impacting food security for many families, especially the 640,000 children reliant on this assistance. Advocates urge the use of emergency funds to mitigate the crisis, while the Georgia Department of Human Services advises recipients to prepare in advance for potential disruptions.

Atlanta

The federal government shutdown threatens to cut off SNAP benefits for approximately 1.4 million Georgians starting November 1, should Congress fail to reach an agreement. This situation follows a warning from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), stating that current federal funding is insufficient to cover SNAP payments for the month of November if the shutdown persists.

As a safety net for food security, nearly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to help purchase groceries. In Georgia, this program supports over 640,000 children, representing a significant portion of those who depend on the benefits for essential nutrition. Families can presently use funds available on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards; however, there is concern that those cards may cease to function after November 1 due to funding interruptions.

According to estimates, SNAP reduces food insecurity by nearly 30% for recipients. Moreover, the SNAP program is critical to the Georgia economy, contributing over $3 billion annually and benefiting more than 2,300 grocery stores, large retail chains, specialty shops, and farmers’ markets statewide. Rural Georgians are notably more dependent on SNAP, with about 17% of rural residents utilizing it, compared to 11% in urban areas.

Impact of the Shutdown and Federal Actions

Advocates are urging the USDA to utilize remaining emergency SNAP funds and discretionary powers to provide at least partial benefits for November, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Furthermore, significant new federal work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries are slated to begin on November 1, which could disqualify many recipients over the next decade.

The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is closely monitoring the shutdown situation and is encouraging SNAP recipients to prepare by purchasing critical groceries in advance. They also stress the importance of checking EBT card balances through the ConnectEBT app or website for the latest updates on benefits. It is critical for individuals to be aware that SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the shutdown continues, although existing EBT card balances can still be utilized until then.

Funding for Other Assistance Programs

Other assistance programs, such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), may face similar challenges, as their funding is expected to last only a few more weeks due to the ongoing shutdown. Many families in Georgia are becoming increasingly distressed regarding the uncertainty of food assistance moving into November.

Georgia DHS advises recipients to remain vigilant by checking their account balances and messages regularly for updates regarding their benefits, as the future of food assistance hangs in the balance with the ongoing congressional impasse surrounding federal funding.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• 11 Alive
• WSB TV
• CBS News Atlanta
• Atlanta News First
• Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Google Search: SNAP benefits Georgia
• Google Scholar: SNAP benefits
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Google News: SNAP benefits Georgia

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.