Campbell explained why continuing SNAP benefits beyond Nov. 1 is critical to the thousands of low-income residents served by the Worcester Community Action Council. The nonprofit helps residents enroll in SNAP, and once that’s achieved, many of those same people can more easily apply and qualify for fuel heating assistance in the winter.

Millions of Americans face uncertainty as the Trump administration will halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from November 1. This decision stems from a budget impasse over fiscal year 2026 funding bills.

SNAP has about $6 billion in the contingency fund — short of the roughly $9 billion needed to cover a full month of the program, putting November benefits in jeopardy.

An "emergency food plan" is emerging, according to U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, as a state official says NM is "evaluating the USDA's ever-changing guidance."