Food Stamps to Be Paused for 42 Million Americans: What to Know

Congress has not approved money to keep benefits flowing to recipients.

People shop for food at a store that accepts food stamps in New York City, in an undated file photograph. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Food stamps are set to be paused on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown.

Some 42 million Americans will not receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until Congress approves new funding, according to federal officials, although some states have taken steps to intervene.