A potential crisis for millions of low-income Americans was narrowly averted on Friday as two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously that the Trump administration must continue to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest food aid program, using contingency funds despite the ongoing government shutdown.
The rulings from judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island came just one day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) planned to freeze all SNAP payments, citing a lack of funding due to the shutdown. The judges’ decisions mandate that the administration tap into available emergency reserves to maintain the vital program.
Averting a November 1st Casualty
The halt in payments had caused widespread alarm, sending states, food banks, and SNAP recipients scrambling to secure food ahead of the looming November 1st deadline. The program is a cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, providing assistance to about 1 in 8 Americans.
Democratic state attorneys general and governors from 25 states, along with cities and non-profits, had legally challenged the administration’s decision, arguing that the USDA was legally obligated to use contingency funds for the program. The administration had contended that a multi-billion-dollar contingency fund could not be used to cover the benefits.
Judicial Mandate: Use Contingency Funds
U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell in Rhode Island ruled from the bench that the program must be funded using at least the contingency funds, while U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts issued a written opinion ordering the USDA to pay for SNAP and calling the suspension “unlawful.” Judge Talwani clarified in her ruling that the administration was “required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program.”
Both judges have directed the federal government to provide an update by Monday regarding its plan to proceed with the funding. The Massachusetts judge gave the administration discretion to fund the program either partially or in full for November.
Uncertainty Remains for Recipients
While the rulings offer a crucial reprieve, the immediate impact on beneficiaries remains unclear. The process of reloading the debit cards recipients use to buy groceries typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, which may still result in some disruption or delay in November benefits despite the judicial order.
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