What to Buy Now if SNAP Benefits Are Paused

If you're worried about how long your food will last in the days ahead, you're not alone.

With SNAP benefits paused starting November 1 due to the federal government shutdown, many families are looking for ways to plan ahead and make their food stretch. Whether you’ve received October benefits or are working with what you have, now is a good time to think about shelf-stable foods and budget-friendly meals that can carry you through.

At Faith Temple Food Giveaway, we want to share some helpful tips to guide your next grocery trip—or help you make the most of what’s already in your kitchen.

Plan Without Panic

Before anything else, take a deep breath. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Small, thoughtful choices can go a long way.

Focus on these three goals:

✅ Choose food with long shelf life

✅ Look for versatile ingredients that work in many meals

✅ Prioritize low cost per serving

Top SNAP Food Items to Stretch Your Budget

Here’s a list of low-cost, long-lasting foods that are great to have on hand if benefits are delayed:

🥫 Pantry Staples

• Rice – Brown or white, stretches across many meals

• Dry pasta – Great for quick meals with minimal ingredients

• Canned beans – Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.

• Peanut butter – High in protein and doesn’t need refrigeration

• Oats – Perfect for breakfast or baked goods

• Flour, sugar, baking powder – If you enjoy baking or making bread

• Canned vegetables – Look for low-sodium when possible

• Canned fruit – In juice or light syrup

• Canned soup or broth – Great base for stretching fresh items

• Shelf-stable milk or powdered milk – Adds flexibility for cooking and drinking

🍴 Fridge & Freezer (if power is stable)

• Eggs – Inexpensive source of protein

• Cheese – Can be frozen and lasts long when unopened

• Frozen veggies or fruit – Often cheaper than fresh and last much longer

• Ground meat or chicken – Buy in bulk, cook, and freeze in small portions

• Tortillas or bread – Freeze extra to use later

🧂 Bonus: Multipurpose Add-Ons

• Bouillon cubes – Flavor boost for soups, rice, or pasta

• Seasoning blends – Salt-free mixes can make meals feel fresh

• Cooking oil or spray – For frying, roasting, or baking

Other Helpful SNAP Tips

• Make a simple meal plan for 5 to 7 days using what you already have

• Cook in batches and freeze leftovers when possible

• Combine canned and fresh ingredients to make meals go further

• Check your pantry and freezer before shopping to avoid duplicates

We’re Still Here to Help

If you are low on food and cannot afford to buy more,

please come to the Faith Temple Food Giveaway.

🕓 Fridays | 4–6 PM

📍 W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, 100 N. Lyon Ave, Sioux Falls

🚗 Drive-thru, stay in No ID. No income check. Just come.

We serve produce, dairy, bread, canned goods, and other essentials—free to anyone who needs them.

You are not facing this alone. And you do not have to figure it all out on your own. We are here to walk through this with you, with food, care, and hope.