Dance Worker Digest *Government Shutdown Edition*

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Dance Worker Digest *Government Shutdown Edition*

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By Dance/NYC

 

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Dance Worker Digest
*Government Shutdown Edition*

We are in the midst of the nation’s longest government shutdown in history. For the first time ever, the shutdown is leading to massive cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Here's where you can learn more, find food assistance, and take action now.

PLEASE NOTE: The situation around the federal government shutdown and SNAP benefits is changing quickly and may be resolved soon. However, the resources shared here remain relevant for anyone experiencing food insecurity now or in the coming days and weeks as operations stabilize.

What’s Happening Now

After Congress failed to pass a budget by October 1, the federal government shut down, disrupting essential programs across multiple agencies. The largest and most immediate impact is on SNAP, the federal food assistance program. About 40 million people—1 in 8 nationwide—are at risk of hunger as their benefits are cut and delayed.

At first, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, refused to use emergency funds to keep the program running, putting November benefits in jeopardy. Currently, the White House is in a legal battle after multiple judges ruled that the USDA must issue full SNAP benefits. The White House is seeking to block these orders and only issue the 65% of usual benefits that was mandated by two federal judges in earlier rulings. In the meantime, payments are delayed, and many New Yorkers are still waiting for food assistance. New work requirements for SNAP that took effect on November 1 could further reduce benefits for thousands of people even beyond the shutdown.

In response, Governor Hochul approved over $100 million in emergency food aid for food banks and pantries, but has not allocated any direct assistance to SNAP recipients. Eleven other states have added money directly to EBT cards. While this helps reduce hunger, many people are still left to rely on food pantries, face long lines, and lose autonomy over their food choices.

Learn More About the Shutdown's Impact on SNAP

 

Find Food Assistance

 

Act Now to Feed People and Fight Cuts

Feed your neighbors now:

  • Donate to your nearest food pantry
  • Maintain your nearest community fridge by:
    • Stocking it with groceries and prepared food. Label food with the date purchased/prepared and any allergens for food safety.
    • Regularly cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and throwing away expired food.
    • Regularly updating the Fridge Finder app and posting update pictures on your social media on the status of your local fridge. Include how much food is available, if the fridge is working, and if the fridge needs cleaning.
  • Get involved with or donate to a mutual aid group engaging in food justice and distribution work near you
  • Cook large meals and invite your neighbors, friends, and community over for dinner and/or portion the food in containers to drop off at community fridges
  • Share mutual aid requests and directly give cash to people facing food insecurity
  • Offer to pick up food for elders and disabled community members who are unable to travel to or queue for food banks and pantries

Demand Congress fund SNAP:

 

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