Federal Courts Move to Safeguard Food Assistance
Judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have instructed the Trump administration to draw from emergency and contingency reserves to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operating during the government shutdown. The rulings followed lawsuits filed by a coalition of states and advocacy groups arguing that pausing food aid would cause widespread harm to low-income Americans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must now determine how those funds can be used to continue benefits while normal appropriations remain frozen.
Funding Gap and Administrative Challenges Highlighted
Court filings show that the USDA has access to roughly $5.25 billion in contingency resources—well below the $8 billion typically required to sustain one month of SNAP payments for an estimated 42 million people. Federal officials warned that diverting the reserves to cover benefits could complicate payment systems and potentially delay distribution. The judges acknowledged these difficulties but instructed the agency to take immediate action to minimize any disruption. The Justice Department has not stated whether it will contest the decisions.
Advocates Applaud Ruling as Shutdown Strains Families
State leaders and anti-hunger organizations welcomed the court orders, describing them as critical for millions who depend on SNAP to afford groceries. Food assistance networks across the country reported increasing demand as households prepared for possible benefit delays. Under the court directives, the USDA must submit detailed compliance plans outlining how it will deploy the reserves and indicate whether recipients should expect full or reduced payments in the weeks ahead.
