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The Trump administration announced plans to use contingency funds to partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as the federal government shutdown continues. According to a court filing on Monday, the administration will cover 50% of eligible households' current SNAP allotments using $4.65 billion from the program’s contingency fund. This decision follows two federal court rulings that ordered the government to tap emergency funds for the SNAP program, which ran out of funding on November 1st.
The federal government shutdown, now in its 35th day, has caused significant disruption for the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP. The Trump administration’s decision to provide partial benefits means that recipients may face long delays, ranging from weeks to several months, before receiving their funds, as reported by NPR. The USDA noted that the remaining $600 million in the contingency fund will be used for state administrative expenses and nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
Federal judges in Boston and Rhode Island ordered the administration to use emergency funding to provide SNAP benefits. However, the administration decided against using $4 billion from other sources to provide full benefits, citing concerns about creating a shortfall in funds meant for child nutrition programs, according to CNN.
The halt in SNAP benefits has led to increased demand at food banks across the country, with many experiencing long lines and concerns about meeting the growing need. Some food banks warn of a potential public health crisis if the situation continues. Local communities have stepped up to support those in need by setting up informal food assistance systems.
President Donald Trump expressed a desire to resume full benefits, stating that he instructed his lawyers to seek legal guidance on funding options. The administration’s decision to provide partial payments has faced criticism from various groups, including Democracy Forward, which is considering legal options to secure full SNAP payments.
The federal government shutdown began on October 1st, and uncertainty persists for SNAP recipients and federal workers as the situation unfolds.
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