The federal government has been shut down since October 1 because Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Congress cannot agree on a budget. On October 24, 2025, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announced that it would not issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November due to not getting the funds from the federal government during the shutdown.
MDHS also shared this information about Mississippians who receive SNAP benefits:
- “SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded and administered in partnership between USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and each state’s SNAP agency.”
- “SNAP is the nation’s largest food security program.”
- “September 2025 SNAP Caseload: 175,926; Individuals: 353,370; Issuance $63,639,036.00”
- “As of October 1, 2025, there are 18,686 SNAP households that are SSI/disabled.”
- “As of October 1, 2025, there are 23,039 SNAP households that are elderly.”
As of the afternoon of November 6, several federal judges ruled that the federal government must begin paying SNAP benefits, but it was unclear whether the federal government would pay those benefits partially or fully.
If your family needs assistance with groceries during this time, here are three major food banks that serve Mississippi:
North Mississippi
Mid-South Food Bank
3865 S Perkins Rd,
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 527-0841
Central Mississippi
Mississippi Food Network
440 W Beatty St,
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 353-7286
South Mississippi
Catholic Social Community Services
1450 North Street,
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 701-0555
Additionally, Families as Allies has put together a resource guide of local food banks and blessing boxes (a blessing box is a community spot where you can give or take non-perishable food, depending on what works best for you). If you have additions or updates to the list, please contact Jackie Clolinger, office manager at Families as Allies, at 601-355-0915 or jclolinger@faams.org.
If you would like to share your thoughts about the government shutdown (or any other issue important to your family) with your federal lawmakers, you can call them, email them, or visit one of their local offices. You will likely speak with a staff member, and they should share your feedback.
The same two United States Senators represent all Mississippians: Senator Roger Wicker (email at this link) and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (email at this link).
All Mississippians are represented by one of four Congressmen, depending on where they live. To find your United States Congressman, go to this link and enter your address. Scroll down to Federal Legislators and find the one listed in the House Chamber. Click on that person’s name to connect to their contact information.
