Federal Judges Demand Trump Administration to Maintain SNAP Funding Amid Shutdown
Amidst the government shutdown, millions of Americans face uncertainty regarding their food assistance as the Trump administration confronts deadlines to inform two federal judges about the continuation of SNAP funding through contingency plans. SNAP, the nation’s primary food aid program, supports about one in eight Americans and incurs a monthly cost of roughly $8 billion.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously announced a freeze on SNAP payments starting November 1, citing the inability to sustain funding during the shutdown. This announcement has sparked widespread concern among beneficiaries as the delay in recharging SNAP cards is expected to persist, regardless of the court’s decisions.
Democratic officials from 25 states including the District of Columbia, alongside various cities and nonprofits, have contested the administration’s decision, arguing the legal obligation to maintain the program’s operations. In response, federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have mandated the administration to continue SNAP funding, allowing discretion over the extent of funding.
Currently, the USDA holds a $5 billion contingency fund dedicated to SNAP, yet the administration has abandoned previous plans to utilize this reserve. Democratic leaders propose tapping into an additional $23 billion fund to ensure the program’s sustenance.
In Providence, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell emphasized the necessity of employing at least the contingency funds for SNAP and requested progress updates by the following Monday. Furthermore, Judge McConnell instructed the continuation of all existing work requirement waivers, which the USDA had ceased during the shutdown.
Similarly, Boston’s U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani deemed the suspension unlawful, obligating the USDA to finance SNAP. Judge Talwani’s order requires the federal government to declare by Monday whether it will utilize emergency reserves for a partial November payout or fully fund the program with additional resources.
Food aid advocates warn that ceasing SNAP benefits would compel families to decide between essential groceries and other financial obligations. To mitigate the impact, states are exploring increased or expedited funding for food banks and innovative methods to load benefits onto SNAP cards.
In 2025, eligibility for SNAP required a family of four’s net income to remain below the federal poverty line, approximately $32,000 annually. Last year, nearly 42 million individuals, predominantly families with children, benefited from SNAP support.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
