As deadlines loom, President Donald Trump's administration must respond to two federal judges regarding the funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports approximately one in eight Americans during the ongoing government shutdown.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated it would halt SNAP payments starting November 1 due to the inability to fund the program amid the shutdown, placing millions of families in jeopardy of food insecurity. Delay in benefits recharging will inevitably occur, regardless of possible court rulings, as many beneficiaries typically receive their aid early in the month.
The Administration is under scrutiny from Democratic state attorneys general and governors from 25 states and the District of Columbia, who argue that the Trump administration is legally bound to continue funding in their areas. Legal challenges from cities and nonprofits further complicate the situation.
In recent rulings from judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, it was decreed that SNAP must be funded, providing the administration some flexibility on whether to do so partially or in full for November.
With the potential for millions to face hunger, advocates emphasize that cessation of food aid would force hard decisions between buying groceries and paying for other essential bills. Moreover, advocates hope that funding sources such as the USDA's $5 billion contingency fund, or an additional separate fund amounting to $23 billion, will be utilized to alleviate the impact of the shutdown.
As the crisis unfolds, stakeholders are urgently pushing for accountability from the USDA in fulfilling its obligations to the millions who depend on assistance under SNAP, affirming the necessity for the program amidst growing concerns about food security.
