Government shutdown ends, uncertainty around SNAP remains

The federal government officially reopened on Wednesday, Nov. 12 — but only until Jan. 30, 2026, creating uncertainty as government agencies begin their return to normalcy. 

Oct. 1 marks the fiscal year deadline for the federal government, and both chambers of Congress and the president must pass legislation by this date in order to continue funding federal programs, according to the White House. This year, the legislation failed to pass, resulting in a lapse of appropriations for 43 days until the funding bill was approved by the president, according to the BBC.

This shutdown was the longest in U.S. history, but the resolution that ended it expires on Jan. 30. Though the funding package will expire for many agencies on that date, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be funded through Sept. 30, 2026, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services. 

USDA funding includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which experienced its first lapse in modern history due to the shutdown, according to Politico. SNAP is a federal program that helps eligible recipients purchase food. 

However, uncertainty about SNAP and other programs continues to impact the Bozeman community, according to the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) CEO and President Heather Grenier.

“As of [Nov. 14], SNAP benefits in Montana are uncertain, and households have been told to prepare for delays or interruptions if federal funding lapses again,” Grenier said. “The uncertainty around benefits is making an already tight winter even harder for many households.” 

The HRDC is a local nonprofit that combats poverty and assists those struggling with the high costs of living in the area, according to its website. It operates across Southwest Montana and has been providing critical support to community members during the shutdown, Grenier said. 

According to her, the HRDC has seen a 20 percent increase in requests for help across their food, housing and emergency support programs since the shutdown. 

“Our goal is simple,” Grenier said. “No matter what happens at the federal level, people in our community should always be able to count on reliable, dignified access to healthy food.” 

“For many, SNAP and energy assistance aren’t supplemental — they’re foundational,” she said. “Families are telling us they are trying to stretch what little they have, skipping meals or delaying other essentials to prepare for the unknown.” 

According to Grenier, people who have never utilized the HRDC’s services before are now seeking help from the organization, including MSU students. These students rely on SNAP to bridge the gap between financial aid, tuition and the cost of living, according to her. 

“For students, something like SNAP can mean the difference between going hungry or being able to fully concentrate on classes,” Grenier said. 

Betsy Asserson, associate vice president of Student Wellness at MSU, said the University does not know how many students access SNAP benefits, but encouraged Bobcats to use the campus resources available. These include Bounty of the Bridgers (BOB), an on-campus food pantry that provides food assistance to students at no cost, according to its website. 

“We do know that food insecurity is a significant concern for the college student population in general, and we want students to know that they are not alone and there is assistance on campus at [BOB],” she said. 

According to Asserson, the BOB has worked to increase the supply of food available to students, and added another pop-up food pantry in the American Indian Hall to adjust for the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits. Additionally, Can the Griz — the biggest food drive of the year — is also happening now, Asserson said. 

“With the shutdown coinciding with the start of our giving season, including Can the Griz, we’ve seen an earlier and stronger outpouring of support than usual,” Grenier said.

“When federal systems become uncertain, strong, local support and flexible, community-driven solutions are essential,” Grenier said. “While SNAP is a food program, its disruption has ripple effects on housing stability, energy security, transportation and overall household well-being.”

To learn more about the HRDC, visit its website at https://www.thehrdc.org.