SNAP Funding Guaranteed for 90 Days During Government Shutdowns Starting 2025

If you’re one of the millions of people who relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or if you’ve ever watched a government shutdown unfold and worried about the safety net, this bill is important. The “Feed Our Families Act of 2025” is straightforward: it creates an automatic, 90-day funding bridge for SNAP during the start of any new fiscal year shutdown.

Starting after September 30, 2024, if Congress fails to pass the necessary spending bills (a “lapse in discretionary appropriations”), this Act automatically sets aside the cash needed to keep SNAP operational for the first three months. This isn't just a promise; it’s an automatic appropriation, meaning the funds are secured without further legislative action, directly addressing the chaos and panic that usually accompanies initial shutdown threats to food assistance.

The Shutdown Safety Net

In the past, government shutdowns have left SNAP recipients and administrators in limbo, often forcing states to scramble or benefits to be delayed. This provision changes the game by making sure the most critical safety net—food assistance—doesn't immediately collapse. Think of it as an insurance policy against political gridlock. For a single parent working two jobs whose budget relies on those monthly benefits, this means one less massive source of stress during a government freeze.

Specifically, the bill dictates that the money is held in reserve and only used in the exact amounts and at the exact times needed to keep the program running smoothly. This mechanism prevents funds from being misspent or sitting idle. Crucially, these reserved funds won't expire until they are fully spent, ensuring that the buffer is there for the full 90-day period (Section 2).

Why 90 Days Matters

The 90-day window is significant because most shutdowns, even the longer ones, usually resolve within this timeframe. This provision ensures that families can continue to buy groceries without interruption while Washington sorts itself out. For the state agencies that administer SNAP, this provides stability, allowing them to focus on processing applications and delivering benefits rather than managing a funding crisis.

This section of the bill is designed purely to ensure continuity for one of the most vital federal programs. It’s a clear, low-vagueness measure that directly addresses a known failure point in federal budgeting, offering immediate relief and predictability to millions of households and the supply chains they rely on.