Trump Administration Begins Funding Full SNAP Benefits After Court Order

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that it has begun fully funding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, complying with a federal court order amid the ongoing government shutdown. The move restores full food stamp payments to nearly 42 million Americans.

A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled Thursday that the USDA must provide full benefits by the end of the week, directing the agency to use available funds to cover the $9 billion monthly cost of the program. The Trump administration appealed the decision but confirmed Friday that it would comply with the order while the case continues.

The USDA previously warned that November SNAP payments would be delayed or reduced because the program had run out of funds during the shutdown. Two federal judges ruled last week that the agency must use its $5.3 billion contingency fund — and, if necessary, other available revenue — to make the payments.

“This unprecedented injunction makes a mockery of the separation of powers,” administration attorneys argued in their appeal. “Courts hold neither the power to appropriate nor the power to spend.”

Despite the legal battle, several states said benefits are now being distributed. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced residents should see payments by midnight Friday. West Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York are also issuing full benefits over the weekend, while North Carolina began releasing partial payments Friday morning, with remaining funds expected soon.

On average, SNAP recipients receive about $350 per month in food assistance, distributed on a staggered schedule. Governors across several states urged quick action to ensure families can put food on the table during the shutdown.

The federal court’s ruling criticized the USDA for acting “arbitrarily and capriciously” by initially opting to fund only partial benefits. Judge John McConnell ordered the department to transfer unused tariff revenue from child nutrition programs to help cover the full cost.

The administration’s appeal remains pending, but for now, states have the green light to resume full SNAP distributions.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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