The ongoing US government shutdown has led to a critical halt in the distribution of food assistance to over 40 million Americans, as federal funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have been exhausted. The US Department of Agriculture announced the cessation of benefits starting November, attributing the impasse to Senate Democrats. The Trump administration has declined to tap into a contingency fund, citing its necessity for potential emergencies like natural disasters. This decision has sparked outrage among Democratic lawmakers, who have condemned the move as cruel and unlawful. Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and Angie Craig criticized President Trump for prioritizing aid to Argentina and constructing a new White House ballroom over addressing domestic needs. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that the contingency fund would only cover about 60% of one month’s benefits. Democratic House members have urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release the reserves and reallocate other available funds to fully support SNAP for November. However, Rollins maintains that the reserve is reserved for true emergencies, primarily natural disasters. States are scrambling to mitigate the impact, with some pledging to use their own funds, though the federal government has warned against reimbursement. Massachusetts, where one million people are expected to lose benefits, has admitted to insufficient resources. California is deploying its National Guard to assist in food distribution, while many states are directing SNAP recipients to charity food pantries. The government shutdown, now in its 26th day, marks the second-longest in US history, exacerbating the crisis for millions of vulnerable Americans.