As the federal government shutdown stretches on, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond Washington, D.C. One of the most serious consequences is the potential disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, a lifeline that helps thousands of families and individuals put food on the table each month.
For most of our unhoused neighbors and low-income residents, the halt in benefits is a direct threat to food security. That will increase in demand for meal programs like those at Miriam’s Kitchen.
What’s happening
If Congress fails to approve funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (which administers SNAP), millions of Americans — including nearly 141,000 residents in the District — could see their benefits delayed or paused starting in November.
While D.C.’s Department of Human Services (DHS) manages applications and local distribution, it relies entirely on federal funding to provide SNAP payments. Without that funding, DHS cannot issue benefits, and the federal government cannot reimburse states or the District later for payments made during a shutdown.
Why it matters in D.C.
Most of the people we serve at Miriam’s Kitchen already struggle with food insecurity. They rely not only on SNAP but also on local meal programs, food pantries, and community networks to survive.
When SNAP is disrupted:
- Unhoused individuals who receive benefits through EBT cards lose a crucial monthly resource for meals, snacks, or groceries that supplement the food they get from programs like ours.
- Individuals and families in temporary housing or shelters will face difficult choices between food, transportation, or health expenses.
- Households living on low incomes will have to make impossible decisions between paying rent or paying for food.
- Older adults and individuals with disabilities on fixed incomes will lose an important form of food assistance.
Even a short lapse can lead to increased hunger — and a heavier burden on local nonprofits, shelters, and food providers.
How Miriam’s Kitchen is responding
Even after moving into permanent housing, many of our guests continue to struggle with food insecurity. While our ongoing supplemental meal delivery program already provides crucial support, the SNAP lapse prompted us to take additional action to help our residents.
This month, thanks to a generous donation, we were able to purchase 280 grocery gift cards valued at $100 each for residents in our Permanent Supportive Housing program. These cards will make a real and immediate difference during this difficult and unpredictable time — ensuring our residents can continue to put food on their tables while federal benefits remain uncertain.
Beyond this emergency effort, Miriam’s Kitchen continues to:
- Serve nutritious breakfasts and dinners daily to anyone in need — no questions asked.
- Partner with other food programs across the District to share supplies and coordinate referrals.
- Advocate for sustainable food policies that protect vulnerable residents from the fallout of political gridlock.
What D.C. Residents can do
- Check your SNAP balance and plan ahead.
If you currently receive SNAP, the funds already loaded on your EBT card will remain valid. Use them strategically while waiting for updates from D.C. DHS. - Find meal resources at Miriam’s Kitchen or the D.C. government website.
If benefits pause, you can always find a warm, nutritious meal at Miriam’s Kitchen. For more information on SNAP updates or food programs, visit dhs.dc.gov.
- Find resources at dhs.dc.gov or call 2-1-1 for the nearest food assistance programs.
- Encourage community support.
If you’re in a position to help, your donation to Miriam’s Kitchen can directly support our grocery gift card program, meal services, and emergency food response for residents most affected by the shutdown.
Donate today at miriamskitchen.org/donate
Every contribution — big or small — helps ensure our neighbors don’t go hungry while waiting for Congress to act.
A shared responsibility
The SNAP program isn’t just about food — it’s about dignity, stability, and health. A lapse in benefits underscores the fragility of systems meant to keep people nourished and safe.
At Miriam’s Kitchen, we believe no one should go hungry because of politics. While this administration and Congress debate funding, our community will keep showing up — with meals, care, and advocacy — to make sure everyone has access to the most basic human need: food.
If you or someone you know is struggling to access meals during the shutdown, visit miriamskitchen.org for information on meal hours and services. Together, we can make sure no one faces hunger alone.
