DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is warning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients that November funds may not be issued due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The Iowa HHS says they were notified by the Food and Nutrition Service late last week that Iowa and states across the nation should not issue November benefits.

According to the Iowa HHS, Iowa SNAP serves around 131,000 households per month and allocated around $45 million dollars in benefits, which are federally paid.

The Iowa HHS says they are engaging food banks, pantry partners, and community-based organizations to provide additional support to the impacted Iowans.

As the government shutdown continues the Iowa HSS says SNAP recipients should keep their cards and that once the shutdown ends they will work diligently to process benefits back on SNAP cards.

Last week it was announced that starting in 2026, Iowans would be restricted from purchasing certain items with their SNAP benefits. Items include foods considered taxable under Iowa code such as soda and candy.

Iowa HHS says they continue to monitor the situation very closely and will provide updates. Please visit hhs.iowa.gov/snap to sign up for updates