What Happened

• On November 1, federal funding lapsed for the nation’s largest food assistance program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) as a result of the government shutdown. More than 42 million people – including more than one in five children – were at even higher risk of hunger. 
• On Wednesday, November 11, Congress passed legislation to reopen the government. This legislation funds SNAP and WIC for the remainder of the fiscal year (through September 30, 2026).
• During the SNAP lapse, many states are took action by covering SNAP benefits for November, directing state funding to food programs, extending state-funded programs, etc.
• Also on November 1, changes to SNAP eligibility resulting from the enactment of HR 1 went fully into effect. People experiencing homelessness age 18 and older, veterans, and young adults who aged out of foster care are no longer automatically exempt from work requirements. They must work or be in an approved work/education program at least 80 hours a month, unless they qualify for another exemption (such as being medically unfit, pregnant, or caring for a child under 14). If they don’t meet or document that requirement, they’re generally limited to three months of SNAP in a three-year period. HR 1 cuts $187 billion from SNAP over the next ten years.

Unique Barriers to Food Access for Homeless Families and Youth 

• Families and youth experiencing homelessness often face additional barriers to accessing adequate food, such as lack of transportation to food banks/pantries, lack of a place to prepare or store food, or lack of utensils and can openers. 
• Public schools, early childhood programs, and college campuses may be the only source of food and connection to community resources. This makes the work of McKinney-Vento liaisons and other homeless family and youth-serving professionals even more important .

Resources and Strategies to Help Feed Homeless Children, Youth, and Families

Ensure Immediate Access to Free School Meals

• Remember that under federal law, children and youth experiencing homelessness are categorically eligible for free meals, and an application is not required. 
• USDA policies provide for direct certification of homeless children and youth and also permit homeless liaisons and shelter directors to obtain free school meals for students by providing a list of names with effective dates. 
• Ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness are identified and notify school nutrition staff (note that notification by email is permissible).

Leverage Federal Education Funds

• Some federal education funds may be used for supplemental food assistance for homeless children and youth, under certain conditions. This includes funding reserved for homeless students under Title I, Part A (see question M-4, p. 40), and McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth funding. 
• Check with your state’s McKinney-Vento homeless education state coordinator for additional guidance.

Find and Coordinate Community and State Resources 

• Check to see what your state is doing to respond to the lapse in SNAP funding. Newsweek offers an interactive map of actions taken by states to date.
• Locate and support local food banks in your community through findhelp.org or Feeding America’s network.
• Work with community partners to ensure that homelessness and lack of transportation do not create barriers; explore mobile solutions, offer food on site, engage meal delivery services, and provide portable and non-perishable food options.

Don’t Forget Babies!

• Infants and young children have unique and critical nutritional needs. Review the CDC’s guide on feeding young children during emergencies to help ensure that young children are fed safely.
• Infant formula company Bobbie is offering discounted formula for SNAP recipients.

And, Don’t Forget College Students!

• The Hope Center for Basic Student Needs created a guide for actions that institutions, systems, states, and students can take to help fill some of the gap during the SNAP lapse.

Related Resources

• Access to Food for Students Experiencing Homelessness (National Center for Homeless Education)
• Ensuring Access to Food Resources for Students Experiencing Homelessness (SchoolHouse Connection)

Related Research

• Hello, you’re not supposed to be here’: homeless emerging adults’ experiences negotiating food access