SAIPAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) has clarified that no CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) benefits are to be issued in November 2025 if the federal funding lapse persists, aligning the Commonwealth with nationwide SNAP guidance. The directive stems from an Oct. 10, 2025 USDA-FNS notice on “SNAP Benefit and Administrative Expense Update for November 2025,” following the Oct. 1 shutdown that halted routine issuances.
USDA-FNS advised all states and territories to hold November issuance files and delay transmission to EBT vendors due to operational and system constraints. The agency said it “recognizes the importance of this critical nutrition program” and will keep partners apprised while exercising oversight.
What continues: CNMI NAP says EBT card–only distribution will proceed as scheduled on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Recipients are urged to secure their EBT cards upon receipt, as the cards will be required once benefits are authorized.
The Oct. 1 federal appropriations lapse triggered suspended issuances nationally and left insufficient funds for full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million people if the shutdown continues. CNMI officials say they remain in coordination with the USDA-FNS Western Regional Office to provide timely updates to the community.
