Two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must utilize emergency reserve funds to continue financing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown. The decisions, issued on November 1, 2023, by judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, require the administration to determine whether to partially or fully fund the program for November, which raises concerns about delays impacting many beneficiaries.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had planned to halt payments to SNAP starting on November 1, claiming that the shutdown prevented them from maintaining funding. SNAP is critical for approximately 41 million Americans, representing about one in eight citizens, and costs around $8 billion monthly. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota and the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, stated that the rulings affirm the Democrats’ position that the administration is failing in its legal duty to provide food assistance to those in need.
Legal challenges were brought forth by Democratic state attorneys general and governors from 25 states, as well as the District of Columbia, arguing that the administration has a legal obligation to sustain SNAP funding. The administration contended that it could not access a contingency fund of approximately $5 billion for the program, which contradicted an earlier USDA proposal to tap those funds prior to the shutdown. The Democratic officials asserted that not only was this money accessible, but it was also a necessary resource for maintaining the program.
In the Rhode Island case, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell ordered the government to use at least some of the contingency funds to support SNAP benefits and requested an update by the following Monday. He emphasized that all previously granted work requirement waivers must remain in effect, despite the USDA having revoked existing exemptions for older adults, veterans, and others during the shutdown.
In Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani echoed McConnell’s sentiments, declaring the USDA’s suspension of SNAP payments as “unlawful.” She mandated that the federal government inform the court by Monday regarding its plans to use emergency reserve funds to either reduce or fully fund SNAP benefits for November.
While the rulings provide a temporary relief for SNAP beneficiaries, delays in payment distribution are expected. The process of reloading benefit cards can take over a week in many states, meaning that millions will experience disruption in their food assistance. The administration has not indicated whether it will appeal the judges’ decisions.
States, food banks, and SNAP recipients have been preparing for the potential impact of halted food aid, which could force many low-income individuals to choose between purchasing groceries and fulfilling other essential expenses. Many states have begun announcing expedited funding for food banks to assist those in need during this uncertain period.
Advocates for SNAP recipients expressed cautious relief following the rulings. Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, one of the plaintiffs in the Rhode Island case, remarked that the ruling prevents a significant burden on nonprofit food banks and pantries across the nation.
However, concerns over reduced benefits remain. Cynthia Kirkhart, CEO of Facing Hunger Food Bank in West Virginia, noted that her organization will extend operating hours to accommodate individuals whose benefits are delayed. Kristle Johnson, a nursing student and mother of three in Florida, articulated her anxiety regarding potential reductions in her monthly benefit of $994, which is already insufficient to cover a full month’s groceries.
At a press conference in Washington, D.C., Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized Democrats for their role in the shutdown, labeling their actions a “disgusting dereliction of duty.” A proposal aimed at continuing SNAP funding during the shutdown failed to advance in Congress earlier this week.
The court’s ruling is seen as a victory for millions of families, seniors, and veterans who rely on SNAP assistance. Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, highlighted the importance of the ruling in protecting vulnerable populations from being used as leverage in political disputes. As the situation continues to unfold, the need for a sustainable solution to funding SNAP remains pressing.
