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Federal Courts Block Suspension of Food Aid for 42 Million Americans
Two federal judges ruled on Friday that the Trump administration cannot halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, ordering officials to tap emergency funds to ensure payments for November. The decisions affect roughly 42 million low-income Americans who rely on the program, commonly known as food stamps.
Judges Demand Use of Emergency Contingency Fund
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts ruled that the administration must access a $6 billion contingency fund to cover SNAP benefits, rejecting claims that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lacked legal authority to do so. The judge gave the government until Monday to report whether it would authorize at least partial payments for November, noting that states suing the administration were likely to prevail on their argument that Congress intended SNAP funding to continue even during lapses in appropriations.
In a parallel ruling, Rhode Island federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the administration to make full SNAP payments by November 3, citing both the contingency fund and a separate $23 billion reserve established under the 1935 Agricultural Adjustment Act. McConnell warned of "irreparable harm" to families already facing uncertainty, stating, "There is no doubt... that terror has been caused" by the threat of suspended aid.
"It reaffirms a fundamental principle: no administration can use hunger as a political weapon."
Plaintiffs in the Rhode Island lawsuit, including cities and NGOs, in a statement Friday
Administration Signals Compliance but Warns of Delays
President Donald Trump responded to the rulings on Truth Social, stating he had directed government lawyers to seek "immediate guidance" from courts on legally funding SNAP but cautioned that "it will unfortunately be delayed." Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had insisted the USDA was exploring "all options" but maintained the contingency fund was intended only for disasters like hurricanes, not budgetary shortfalls.
The USDA had announced it would not distribute November benefits, declaring "the well has run dry" after federal funding lapsed on October 1. SNAP provides eligible families-such as a household of four-an average of $715 monthly (about $6 per person daily) via reloadable debit cards for groceries. Several states pledged to cover gaps with state funds but were warned they would not be reimbursed.
Limited Relief Expected Even With Emergency Funds
Analysts at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimate the contingency fund could cover only 60% of beneficiaries for one month, far short of the program's $8.5-9 billion monthly cost. Judge Talwani also pressed the administration to consider reallocating funds from other programs, as it did earlier this month to pay military salaries.
Political Stalemate Persists as Shutdown Nears Second Month
The rulings come amid a prolonged federal shutdown, now in its fifth week, with no signs of a breakthrough between Republicans and Democrats. Both parties have exchanged blame for the impasse, which has frozen funding for agencies beyond SNAP, including military pay and small-business loans. The USDA declined to comment on the court decisions, while the Office of Management and Budget did not respond to requests for comment.
"We're looking at all the options."
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, at a news conference prior to the rulings
States and Advocates Celebrate "Lifeline" for Vulnerable Families
Advocacy groups hailed the decisions as critical for seniors, veterans, and working families dependent on SNAP. The Rhode Island plaintiffs called the ruling a "lifeline for millions" who risked going without food. However, legal experts note that even with emergency funds, the program faces uncertainty if the shutdown extends into December, when the contingency reserves would likely be exhausted.
