Courts Step In to Keep Food Aid Flowing
Two federal courts, one in Massachusetts and another in Rhode Island, have ruled that the Trump administration must rely on emergency reserves to maintain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the continuing government shutdown. The decisions came after a series of lawsuits filed by states and advocacy organizations warning that millions could lose access to essential food assistance if payments were halted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been instructed to identify and utilize available contingency funds to ensure that benefits reach recipients despite the lapse in government funding.
USDA Warns Funding May Not Cover All Needs
In filings presented to the courts, the USDA and the Justice Department noted that roughly $5.25 billion remains in contingency reserves—less than the approximately $8 billion required to fund one month of benefits for about 42 million people nationwide. Officials cautioned that using those funds could create logistical hurdles and delay payments, since the system is designed to distribute benefits on a set schedule. The judges acknowledged these operational limits but pressed the administration to act swiftly to prevent hunger across the country. Federal lawyers have not confirmed whether an appeal will be pursued.
States and Advocates Urge Rapid Implementation
Governors, attorneys general, and food assistance groups across several states praised the court orders, calling them essential to protecting families affected by the shutdown. Food banks have already reported an uptick in demand as recipients brace for possible interruptions in aid. Under the rulings, the USDA must submit plans detailing how the funds will be deployed and clarify whether households will receive full or partial payments while the shutdown continues.
