USDA Taps Emergency Funds for Partial SNAP Payments

Two federal judges ordered the USDA to tap emergency contingency funds to keep SNAP running amid the prolonged government shutdown, reversing the administration’s initial plan to halt benefits. The USDA told courts it will deplete roughly $4.6–$4.65 billion in reserves to issue reduced November payments equal to about 50% of normal allotments. That contingency is far short of SNAP’s roughly $8–$9 billion monthly cost, meaning reduced benefits and likely delays as states await federal guidance. About 41 million people rely on SNAP nationally — including nearly 3 million in New York, more than 1 million in Michigan, 726,000 in Alabama, and tens of thousands in many counties — prompting urgent concern from officials, food banks and recipients. States, local agencies and advocates warn partial, delayed payments will worsen food insecurity and are urging Congress to resolve the shutdown while some jurisdictions and nonprofits seek local backstops.