Mobile, AL (Oct. 29, 2025)–The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has confirmed that beginning November 1, all November SNAP benefit allotments are suspended until federal funding is restored or further direction is received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Feeding the Gulf Coast estimates that this pause could impact more than 140,800 individuals within its South Alabama service area.

With the suspension of SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, tens of thousands of Alabama households will be without the critical food support they rely on each month. Feeding the Gulf Coast is working closely with partners and community agencies across South Alabama to prepare for a significant spike in individuals and families who will be without food and urgently need assistance. To date, through direct food distributions and our network of partner agencies, the food bank has already provided more than 80,000 meals to families impacted by the shutdown—and with upcoming distributions scheduled, that number is expected to reach nearly 125,000 meals in the coming days.

“We are mobilizing resources and support to help fill the gap for families, seniors, and individuals affected by this disruption,” says Michael Ledger, President and CEO for Feeding the Gulf Coast. “Feeding the Gulf Coast is on the front lines of this crisis. With SNAP benefits halted, thousands of families, seniors, and individuals will turn to us and our network of partners for help.”

Individuals can still apply for SNAP benefits during this period and should continue submitting required documentation so their benefits can be activated quickly once the suspension is lifted.

This moment calls for all of us to stand together. We urge anyone in need of food assistance to visit feedingthegulfcoast.org/find-help to locate a nearby food pantry. Individuals can still apply for SNAP benefits during this suspension, and DHR will continue to process applications and determine eligibility; however, no new benefits will be issued until the suspension is lifted. Current SNAP recipients should continue recertifying, reporting changes, and submitting all required documentation so their benefits can be activated quickly once the suspension ends. Those who need assistance applying for SNAP can contact the Benefits Enrollment Center at 1-877-833-2550.

At a time when resources are stretched thin for people working hard to provide for their families, Feeding the Gulf Coast remains committed to ensuring that no one in our community goes without food. We are calling on our community to stand with us during this unprecedented time. Every dollar given today helps provide meals and hope for those feeling the weight of uncertainty. To learn more or to make a donation, visit feedingthegulfcoast.org.