Recently, several states have issued notices that the money may not be there on 1 November.
The SNAP programme has a contingency fund worth about $5bn that could be used to pay for the programme during the shutdown, a solution that has been championed by the US Conference of Mayors, a consortium of over 1,400 city leaders across the US.
"SNAP is not only a federal nutrition program - it is a critical local economic stabilizer," said a letter, signed by Matt Tuerk, the mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Tom Cochran, the organisation's executive director.
"When benefits are delayed or reduced, city economies absorb the shock through increased food insecurity, higher demand on emergency food providers, and additional strain on municipal budgets and public health systems."
But so far, the government has not committed.
That $5bn would only cover about 60% of a month's worth of benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank focused on policies that help low-income families.
The organisation says the federal government is legally required to dip into the contingency fund.
"The Administration itself admits these reserves are available for use. It could have, and should have, taken steps weeks ago to be ready to use these funds," the organisation said in a statement.
Both Republicans and Democrats have pointed fingers at who is responsible for the shutdown - and why people may miss out on benefits.
A visit to USDA's website shows this message: "Due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown, this government website will not be updated during the funding lapse. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people."
Meanwhile, several Democratic-led states have issued warnings about SNAP funding running out, and have laid blame squarely on the Republicans.
"Because Republicans in Washington, DC, failed to pass a federal budget, causing the federal government shutdown, November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be paid," the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website said.