Overall, this affects not only SNAP, but also WIC, federal workers, food banks, senior citizens, and grocery stores.

By G. A. McNeeley 

October 22, 2025 (California) -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the critical food assistance program, being halted is one of the biggest impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, and it’s about to affect tens of millions of the poorest Americans. Several states are warning that they’ll be forced to suspend SNAP benefits by November 1 if the shutdown continues, according to ABC News. 

SNAP, also referred to as "food stamps," serves about 42 million low-income Americans. The program, run by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. 

Governor Gavin Newsom warned on Monday, October 20, that millions of low-income Californians who rely on public assistance to feed their families may be unable to access food benefits next month because of the federal government shutdown, according to POLITICO. 

By Miriam Raftery

Cary Hyatt also contributed to this report

November 5, 2013 (San Diego) – Nearly 270,000 San Diegans, including 136,000 children and 15,000 senior citizens, had their food stamp benefits cut effective November 1^st.   Nationwide, around 48 million people rely on food stamps, or nearly 14% of all Americans.

March 8, 2012 (Potrero) – The SNAP (Spay Neuter Action Project) Mobile Veterinarian staffed bus will be at the Potrero Library, 24883 Potrero Valley Road, in Potrero on March 16th and 17th. The project provides spay and neutering services for low income pet owners as well as good Samaritans with feral cats in traps.