November SNAP benefits suspended

WINSTON COUNTY - The Alabama Department of Human Resources received specific guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) the evening of Friday, October 24, regarding the suspension of SNAP benefits and procedures for the month of November due to the federal government shutdown.

Recipients will be able to use benefits issued to their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card prior to November 1, 2025, at any SNAP-authorized retailer.

The guidance states that effective November 1, 2025, “FNS is suspending all November, 2025 benefit allotments until…federal funding is provided, or until FNS directs state agencies otherwise.” No new benefits will be issued during the suspension; however, there are no other changes to the program or client requirements.

Individuals can still apply for SNAP benefits during this suspension and DHR will continue to process applications and determine eligibility, but benefits will not be issued until the suspension is lifted. Current SNAP recipients must continue to recertify their benefits, report as they normally would, and submit all documentation that would normally be required for them to continue in the program. These steps are of the utmost importance so DHR can submit each recipient’s benefit file as soon as the suspension is lifted.  In other words, this will allow recipients to more quickly use their November funds in the grocery stores.

“SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded; therefore USDA (FNS) controls the issuance of these benefits on EBT cards. I was pleased to learn that FNS plans to reimburse November administrative costs, which will help states financially,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “We know SNAP benefits are vitally important to the more than 750,000 Alabamians who depend on the more than $140 million in support each month. Alabama DHR, along with many others, hopes Congress will come to a quick resolution on the federal government shutdown.”

Clients who need additional food support during this time may reach out to their local Feeding Alabama affiliated food bank, visit feedingalabama.org, or any other food resources available in their local communities. The Alabama Department of Human Resources partners with many of these resources.

Food pantries available in Winston County are:

Main Street Ministries - 991 Highway 33, Double Springs, (205) 489-9007.  Open Tuesday afternoons only.  According to their website, new clients must show a photo ID and proof of residence other than a driver's license to receive assistance.

Harvest of Hope Food Pantry  - Haleyville.  The Harvest of Hope Food Pantry is a ministry of First Baptist Church in Haleyville.  It is open the second and fourth Thursday mornings of each month.  Those in need of food assistance can call the church at (205) 486-3762.

Meek Baptist Church Food Pantry - open the second Thursday of each month from 5-6:30 p.m.  Anyone is welcome to come pick up a food box.  However, those seeking food need to call Main Street Ministries at (205) 489-9007  the Friday before the food giveaway to reserve their box.  Meek Baptist Church is located at 360 Helicon Road, Arley.

The UpperRoom - A Gathering Place - Haleyville.  The UpperRoom - A Gathering Place provides nightly meals to those in need in Haleyville from their location at 807 20th Street.  A quote on the group's Facebook page Monday, Oct. 27, asked for donations, stating that food banks can only last so long without support.  A drop-off box for food is set up at Revive Medical Center on Highway 13 in Haleyville or donations can be made at the UpperRoom Monday-Saturday from 3-6 p.m.