Government Shutdown Threatens Food Aid Program, SNAP

Mon Nov 10 2025 22:55:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Trump administration faces pressure from federal judges to continue funding SNAP during the government shutdown, crucial for millions relying on food assistance.

As the government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has faced court orders to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With the USDA planning to freeze payments, judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have ordered that SNAP must be financed using contingency funds. The uncertainty leaves millions worried about their ability to feed themselves, highlighting significant challenges in the social safety net amidst political impasses.

The Trump administration faces a critical deadline as it is compelled by two federal judges to determine whether it will comply with court orders to continue funding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the nation's largest food aid initiative, amidst an ongoing government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had intended to halt payments to SNAP starting November 1, rendering assistance to around 1 in 8 Americans uncertain. These benefits typically cost approximately $8 billion monthly and assist many families during challenging times.

As the government shutdown lingers, millions are left in a precarious situation, with payments for November nearing a standstill regardless of the court's ultimate decision, due to processing delays. The current scenario could force many to choose between buying groceries and paying essential bills.

In response, attorneys general from 25 states and the District of Columbia, along with cities and nonprofit organizations, have filed lawsuits challenging the administration's course of action, stressing that there is a legal obligation to keep SNAP operational and aid their residents.

Federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have separately ruled that the administration must maintain funding for SNAP, providing some flexibility on whether the program would receive full or partial funding in November.

The USDA is sitting atop a $5 billion contingency fund meant for the program, yet current signals indicate that the Trump administration plans to revert from earlier commitments to utilize these resources to maintain SNAP. Advocates assert that a separate fund totaling about $23 billion is also available to ensure the program's viability.

Justices have underscored that all existing work requirement waivers must remain effective throughout the duration of the shutdown, as changes initiated by the USDA in terminating waiver benefits to various vulnerable groups raise significant concerns.

Notably, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has mandated the federal government to clarify by Monday whether it will utilize emergency reserve funds to either provide reduced SNAP benefits or fully fund the program using available resources. This situation has exposed a broader systemic weakness, emphasizing how federal decisions can significantly impact socioeconomic conditions for millions of families relying on support.

In a year when SNAP supports approximately 42 million Americans, these developments could thrust many families deeper into financial distress, potentially exacerbating the ongoing poverty challenges across the country.