You open the app, hoping the balance has updated. The screen refreshes. Still nothing.

For millions of parents, that quick EBT balance check is really a check on whether there’s enough for milk, bread, and dinner tonight.

As the federal government shutdown stretches on, that small, familiar moment is taking on new urgency. Officials in several states have warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (better known as food stamps) could be disrupted by the end of the month if funding doesn’t resume. For the families who rely on these monthly deposits, a delay means making impossible choices: stretching groceries, skipping meals, or turning to food pantries already at capacity.

What’s happening with SNAP

SNAP is the nation’s largest food and nutrition assistance program, serving more than 41 million Americans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The average household benefit is about $332 per month, or roughly $6 per person per day, based on 2023 USDA data.

During the current government shutdown, several states, including Texas, New York, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, have warned that November SNAP payments could be delayed or halted if the shutdown continues past October 27, as reported by The Washington Post. Some, like Oklahoma and Illinois, have said they will be unable to issue benefits for November unless federal funding resumes soon.

“SNAP is the largest and most effective hunger prevention program in the country,” said Barbara C. Guinn, commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, in a recent state release. “To permit monthly benefits to halt would be unprecedented and have an immediate and devastating impact.”

Meanwhile, grocery costs continue to climb. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, food prices in August 2025 were 3.2 percent higher than a year earlier, and are projected to rise faster than the historical average through the end of the year. Families already struggling to balance rent, childcare, and transportation are now being asked to absorb yet another cost increase.

Related: Nearly 14 million kids aren’t getting enough food right now—and that needs to change

How food insecurity affects children

Food insecurity shapes how children grow, learn, and feel. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, households with children experience higher rates of food insecurity than those without. When access to nutritious food is uncertain, children are more likely to face challenges with concentration, energy levels, and school participation.

A 2021 study published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that consistent access to balanced meals supports cognitive development and emotional wellbeing, while food insecurity is linked to increased stress and lower academic performance. These effects can emerge even when shortages are temporary, underscoring how closely nutrition and stability are connected.

For parents, the strain goes beyond the pantry. Deciding whether to pay a bill or buy groceries adds emotional weight to already-tight budgets, and many caregivers work quietly to shield children from that stress. The result is a cycle of worry that no family should have to carry alone.

Related: San Francisco County now offers free diapers with SNAP

What parents can do right now

The uncertainty of a shutdown can feel overwhelming, but there are practical ways to protect your family’s access to food and support.

1. Check your benefits

Visit your state’s EBT portal or the USDA SNAP directory to see when your next deposit is scheduled. Many states offer text or email alerts when funds are issued. If your balance doesn’t update as expected, contact your state’s Department of Human Services for clarification.

2. Find local food support

If you need immediate help, these trusted programs can provide food and guidance:

  • Feeding America: Search food banks and pantries near you.
  • WIC: Offers supplemental nutrition for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5.
  • Call 211: Connects you with local social services and emergency food programs.
  • Local schools: Many districts provide free or reduced-price meals during funding gaps.

These programs exist for moments like this and using them is an act of care/

3. Take care of yourself

Financial uncertainty is stressful. An article published in NORC notes that “Fifty-three percent of adults report that grocery expenses are a major source of stress”, and research also links food insecurity to higher parental anxiety and depression.

Small actions like deep breathing, walks, or talking with a trusted friend or counselor, can help ease tension and remind you that you’re not alone.

Feeding families shouldn’t depend on politics

Whether you receive SNAP benefits or not, most parents know what it feels like to stretch groceries further than expected. The difference now is that millions of families may be forced to do so because of circumstances beyond their control.

Government negotiations may decide when funding resumes, but communities decide how families are supported in the meantime. Compassion, advocacy, and generosity can fill some of the gap. Feeding families should be guided by care and compassion, not political gridlock.

Related: Everyone is making ‘struggle meals’ because food is SO expensive