Is Walmart closing Nov. 1 as SNAP benefits run out for millions? What to know

As the government shutdown continues, millions of people will lose SNAP benefits in November. With that comes social media chatter about store closures; but is it true?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is set to “run dry” Nov. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As millions of Americans prepare for the loss of food assistance right before the holidays, online rumors circulated that Walmart will be closing its doors as a direct effect.

One TikTok video, masked as a news story, said Walmart was halting in-person shopping to “avoid possible disorder” and in an attempt to prevent “chaos before it starts.”

Other individuals have taken to social media, spreading the message that Walmart will close and urging people to prepare.

One TikTok user posted a video that got over 1 million views with the caption; “Breaking news just in — Walmart said not today, baby! November 1st, they locking them doors like Fort Knox. You can order online, but don’t even think about stepping inside!”

The truth

A Walmart spokesperson told McClatchy News on Oct. 28 that the rumors are not true and Walmart has no plans to close and will remain open as usual.

Digging into the rumors, Snopes found several sources that may have contributed to the origin of the rumors, including social media posts and vague news headlines.

Despite the misinformation spreading online regarding the closing of Walmart, it is true that millions of Americans are preparing for the impact of not receiving their expected food assistance.

Although the USDA has roughly $5 to $6 billion in a contingency fund designated for emergency scenarios, it is not enough to cover the $8 billion in SNAP benefits set to go out in November, according to the Hill.

Just as well, the USDA said in a memo, it legally cannot use the fund to cover regular benefits.

“SNAP contingency funds are only available to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits. The contingency fund is not available to support FY 2026 regular benefits, because the appropriation for regular benefits no longer exists,” the memo said.

It goes on to say, “the contingency fund is a source of funds for contingencies, such as the Disaster SNAP program, which provides food purchasing benefits for individuals in disaster areas, including natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, that can come on quickly and without notice.”