Trump Must Fund Food Aid with Emergency Cash

Key Insights:

• Two federal judges ordered emergency funds be used to support November food stamp payments.
• SNAP delays expected as states restart halted payment processes from USDA directive.
• The Trump admin opposes using full available funds, citing risks to child nutrition programs.

Two federal judges have directed the Trump administration to use emergency funds to help cover SNAP benefits for November. The rulings come as the 29-day government shutdown continues, placing millions at risk of losing access to food assistance.

Emergency Funds Must Be Used for November SNAP Payments

Judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must draw from its $5.3 billion contingency fund to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program this month. The decisions followed lawsuits filed by states, cities, non-profits, and labor groups seeking to protect payments for low-income households.

Judge John McConnell said, “The shutdown of the government through funding doesn’t do away with SNAP, it just does away with the funding of it.” His order followed a similar ruling by Judge Indira Talwani, who confirmed that USDA must use all available contingency funds to keep the program running.

Additional Funds Available, But Disagreement Remains

Both judges also pointed out that an additional $17 billion in USDA-managed funds could be used to cover the full cost of November SNAP benefits. However, the administration has not approved the use of those funds, saying it could reduce support for other federal nutrition programs.

Judge Talwani wrote, “Defendants also may supplement the Contingency Funds by authorizing a transfer of additional funds … to avoid any reductions,” but added that the final decision lies with federal officials.

President Trump, when asked if the administration could find a way to keep SNAP running beyond November 1, said, “Well, there always is,” suggesting options exist but pointing again to congressional gridlock.

Delays Expected as States Pause Distribution

Though the court rulings aim to keep the program funded, payment delays are still likely. On October 10, the USDA had instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November. Restarting the process may take time, as states must send enrollment data to vendors in advance.

Roughly 42 million people use SNAP each month. With November benefits at risk, the court’s decision creates a path for partial coverage while broader funding questions remain unresolved.