SNAP Benefits Suspended in November: What It Means for Families in Lebanon, Missouri
Lebanon, MO — As the federal government shutdown continues into its fifth week, Missouri families are being told to prepare for a halt in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning November 1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that without new federal funding, it cannot legally issue SNAP benefits for November. The decision will affect millions of Americans, including families in Laclede County.
What Happened
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service released a notice to all state agencies stating, “Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.” The department says the program’s contingency fund, which contains around $5 billion, cannot be used to pay regular monthly benefits because there is currently no appropriation from Congress. The shutdown, which began October 1, 2025, has delayed funding for multiple federal programs, including SNAP.
What Missouri Officials Are Saying
The Missouri Department of Social Services confirmed on its official website that the state has been instructed to suspend November SNAP benefits until further notice.
“Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, Food and Nutrition Service has informed all state agencies to temporarily suspend the issuance of SNAP benefits for November 2025 as they are 100% federally funded,” the department stated. “DSS will not be able to distribute November SNAP benefits until further notice from FNS.”
This means Missouri’s SNAP recipients, including many in Lebanon and Laclede County, will not receive their usual monthly deposits unless the federal shutdown ends or Congress passes a funding bill.
What This Means Locally
Lebanon’s food pantries and assistance programs are preparing for an increase in need. L-Life Food Pantry, Crosslines Ministries, The Salvation Army, and other local organizations serve families who rely on SNAP to help meet monthly food costs. If the suspension continues, these organizations could see a rise in demand.
Families with benefits already on their EBT cards before November 1 can still use them, but no new funds will be added for November. Applications and renewals will continue to be processed, but the state warns that no benefits will be distributed until federal funding resumes.
No State Reimbursement
According to USDA guidance, states that attempt to fund SNAP benefits themselves will not be reimbursed. The memo to state agencies instructed them to hold off on transmitting any November benefit files to their EBT vendors until further notice. Missouri cannot issue benefits without federal funds, and any state that attempts to do so would be operating at its own financial risk.
Who Is Most Affected
In Laclede County, SNAP helps feed children, seniors, and working families. A sudden stop in benefits could leave some residents without access to food, leading them to depend more heavily on local food pantries and community programs. The timing, as colder weather begins, adds pressure to families already struggling.
What Happens Next
Unless Congress passes a funding resolution or the federal government reopens before November 1, SNAP benefits will not be distributed. If the shutdown continues into mid November, other federally funded assistance programs such as WIC could also experience disruptions. For now, Missouri DSS and local organizations urge residents to plan ahead, manage existing benefits carefully, and reach out to available community resources for assistance.