The Department of Public Health and Social Services announced Friday that federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have resumed normal operations after President Donald Trump signed the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act on Nov. 13, officially ending the federal government shutdown. The funding lapse marked the first disruption in SNAP’s history, affecting an estimated 42 million people nationwide.
With full USDA funding restored through September 2026, Guam households will receive their full November SNAP allotments. The update reverses earlier warnings about potential pauses or reductions to federally funded benefits. DPHSS said it is working closely with USDA and local partners to distribute benefits as quickly as possible and encouraged residents to follow official channels for updates.
“This is welcomed news with the holidays fast approaching,” DPHSS Director Theresa Arriola said. She praised her staff and thanked Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio and the 38th Guam Legislature for ensuring families received locally funded General Food Assistance Benefits during the shutdown.
DPHSS said eligible families will automatically receive their full November SNAP benefits, and new applicants approved this month will receive full allotments. Locally funded benefits already issued will not be affected, though the program has ended with the return of federal funding. Officials said the shutdown highlighted the value of strong contingency planning to protect essential services during future uncertainties.