Little Rock, Arkansas – Tens of millions of Americans, including thousands in Arkansas, are bracing for the possibility of a suspension in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1, as the country faces the threat of a government shutdown. The uncertainty is sending waves of anxiety through households that depend on the program to put food on the table each month.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reserve funds that could keep SNAP operational even in the event of a shutdown. However, officials in the Trump administration recently announced that they will not tap into these funds, raising concerns about millions of low-income families suddenly losing access to their food assistance. For many Arkansans, this safety net has become a crucial lifeline.
Mona Lord-Crouch, a longtime SNAP recipient, described the looming suspension as a shock. “I threw me for a loop because I didn’t think they’d take it that far,” she said. “It hurts my heart that the government is being selfish. In my eyes, they’re being selfish.”
Lord-Crouch, who has relied on SNAP for more than 30 years, has faced additional challenges in recent months. Earlier this year, she fell victim to a scam that drained money from her electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. Despite reporting the theft, she was never reimbursed. The combination of that loss and the impending government shutdown has left her struggling to meet basic needs.
“That’s going to be the hard part right there — trying to get my bills and my medications balanced with all of that,” Lord-Crouch said. Her words underscore the fragile balance many SNAP recipients maintain while trying to cover living expenses, medical needs, and nutrition simultaneously.
To cope, Lord-Crouch has relied heavily on local food banks and pantries, stretching every dollar and freezing as much food as possible to make it last. With only $52 a month to supplement her grocery needs, she admits her pantry has run dry. Yet, even in the face of hardship, she emphasizes resilience and the need for systemic compassion. “I just want a world where people don’t have to wonder where their next meal is coming from,” she said.
Experts warn that if SNAP benefits are suspended, families like Lord-Crouch’s will experience immediate and severe consequences. Food insecurity, malnutrition, and financial strain could rise sharply, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, and children. Arkansas food banks are already preparing for an influx of demand if benefits are delayed, urging community members to step in with donations and support.
For those looking for updates on SNAP benefits in Arkansas, the state Department of Human Services encourages residents to visit HumanServices.Arkansas.gov. Individuals and organizations wishing to assist those in need can contribute to the Arkansas Foodbank at ArkansasFoodbank.org. These resources provide crucial information and help to navigate the uncertainty, whether through financial support or access to food supplies.
As the November 1 deadline approaches, the anxiety among SNAP recipients continues to grow. Families are left to balance limited resources while hoping for swift action from the federal government. Meanwhile, community organizations in Arkansas and across the country are bracing to fill the gaps, ensuring that those most in need are not left hungry during a time of political and financial uncertainty.
