Community partners continue to share important updates regarding the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on essential programs such as SNAP and Medicaid. Below is a summary of key information from this morning’s Medicaid Matters meeting.

SNAP Updates

• Program Funding: New Hampshire spends approximately $12.6 million per month on SNAP benefits, with about $2 million from general funds.

• State Contingency Plan: Because the federal government will not fund SNAP beginning November 1, the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has developed a contingency plan approved by the Executive Council. Up to $2 million from the Medicaid Enhancement Tax will be reallocated to fund temporary food access through the NH Food Bank.

• Mobile Food Pantries:

  • The NH Food Bank will operate 20 mobile pantry locations statewide, twice per week, specifically for SNAP participants.

  • Individuals must show an EBT card or notice of decision to access these pantries.

  • These events are separate from the Food Bank’s regular mobile pantry schedule.

  • The contract runs for five weeks, with the option of up to eight one-week extensions if needed.

  • The first mobile pantry is expected to begin early next week, and locations will rotate weekly.

• Communications: DHHS has sent text and email alerts and posted updates on social media. They are asking partners to help share this information. Letters will not be mailed because they would take too long to reach participants.

• Additional Notes:

  • Benefits are distributed through an external vendor, so there could be a brief delay if the shutdown ends over a weekend.

  • The average SNAP household in NH receives $250–$300 per month in benefits.

Related News and Resources

• NH SNAP Contingency Plan (NH Bulletin):
  Lawmakers and Councilors Approve Plan to Fund Mobile Food Pantries as SNAP Set to Pause

• Government Shutdown National Coverage (CBS News):
  Latest Updates on the Government Shutdown and SNAP Benefits

• ACA Premium Changes (CNN):
  National Affordable Care Act (ACA) Rates Increase for 2026 Coverage

Stay Informed

For additional updates related to the government shutdown, food assistance, or other community resources, please visit the Community Bridges homepage. Updates will be added as new information becomes available.

As New Hampshire families continue to experience delays and reductions in SNAP benefits, the New Hampshire Food Bank and community partners are stepping up to help individuals and families access healthy groceries during this period of reduced or delayed SNAP benefits. 

The Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry program distributes fresh and shelf-stable groceries directly to communities across the state. These events are open to anyone in need—no registration or identification required.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit nhfoodbank.org/mobile-food-pantry for upcoming locations, dates, and times.

Together, we can make sure every neighbor has access to nutritious food and support during this time of uncertainty.

As the federal government shutdown continues, many families are understandably worried about how it might affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, recently announced that if the shutdown lasts into November, there may not be enough funding to provide full SNAP benefits that month.

In New Hampshire, DHHS has prepared a contingency plan in case November benefits are delayed. The plan includes a partnership with the New Hampshire Food Bank to increase access to food through mobile and traditional food-pantry sites specifically for SNAP recipients. The plan is subject to approval by the state’s Fiscal Committee and Executive Council and is aimed at assisting the roughly 75,000 Granite Staters enrolled in SNAP. However, DHHS notes that this aid is intended to mitigate disruption, not replace SNAP benefits. Recipients are encouraged to use any remaining benefits on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards by October 31, since unused benefits may become inaccessible starting November 1 if the funding lapse continues.

The following has been provided by ANCOR, a Leading Voice in Washington for Community Providers:

We are continuing to monitor the situation to see if Congress can reach a deal to avert a government shutdown, which would begin on October 1. In preparation for a potential shutdown, we would like to share with you an updated resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): the FY 2026 HHS Contingency Staffing Plan for Operations in the Absence of Enacted Annual Appropriations.

This contingency staffing plan contains critical information on how HHS programs will operate in the event of a shutdown, including specific details for each HHS operating division. Key points are highlighted below; please refer to the full contingency staffing plan for more details.

• CMS will have sufficient funding for Medicaid to fund the first quarter of FY 2026, based on the advance appropriation provided for in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025.
• In the event of a lapse of appropriation, 3,311 (53%) of CMS staff will be retained, including 3,105 (50%) who are exempt (their activities or position are already funded or otherwise exempt) and 206 (3%) who are excepted staff (their activities are deemed necessary by implication).
• The Administration for Community Living (ACL) will continue activities funded through carryover funding from the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA). Staff will continue to perform reimbursable work related to managed care consumer information and assistance. ACL will also continue activities funded through the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control (HCFAC) wedge. ACL staff will continue to promote community living for people with disabilities of all ages, as well as for older adults.
• In the event of a lapse of appropriations, 22 (18%) of ACL staff will be retained, including 12 (10%) who are exempt (their activities or position are already funded or otherwise exempt) and 10 (8%) who are excepted (their activities are deemed necessary by implication, or for the safety of human life or protection of property).
• Overall, HHS' contingency plans for agency operations in the absence of appropriations will lead to retaining approximately 47,257 staff and furloughing 32,460 staff. 
• CMS Plan: www.hhs.gov/about/budget/...
  ACL Plan: www.hhs.gov/about/budget/...

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.