President Donald Trump’s administration faces tight deadlines as they navigate the ongoing government shutdown, specifically regarding the funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest food aid initiative in the U.S. Two federal judges have commanded the administration to clarify its funding plans for SNAP by Monday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had initially proposed freezing payments to SNAP starting November 1 due to the government's inability to sustain funding during the shutdown. This program is vital, serving around 1 in 8 Americans, and costs approximately $8 billion monthly.
As it stands, the uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding leaves millions fraught with concern over their ability to obtain food. Benefits are projected to be delayed regardless of court outcomes since the reloading of SNAP cards typically occurs at the beginning of November and can take weeks in various states.
Legal challenges have emerged from the Democratic attorneys general of 25 states, along with the District of Columbia, arguing that the Trump administration has a legal duty to maintain SNAP's operation. Additionally, various cities and nonprofits have added their voices to this demand through lawsuits.
Recent rulings from judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have reinforced this contention, ruling that the federal government must continue funding SNAP and providing flexibility in choosing whether to fund it partially or fully.
While the USDA holds a contingency fund of $5 billion for SNAP, the administration previously opted against utilizing this resource to keep the program operational. Critics argue that there exists a separate $23 billion fund that could also be deployed to ensure SNAP's continuation.
In Providence, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell underscored the necessity of enforcing continued payments through contingency funds, requiring updates from the administration about their plans before the deadline.
In a similar vein, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ruled that the USDA's funding suspension was illegal, demanding that the federal government clarify whether it will utilize emergency reserve funds for reduced benefits in November or entirely fund SNAP.
Advocates warn that halting SNAP would force families to choose between food and other essential bills. In response to the crisis, most states have announced initiatives to provide expedited funding for food banks or alternate methods to load SNAP benefits onto cards.
To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a family of four must have a net income below the federal poverty line, approximately $32,000 annually. Recently, nearly 42 million individuals, a substantial portion of whom are families with children, benefitted from this program.
