SNAP Payments in Flux After Court Orders

Millions of SNAP recipients face uncertainty for November benefits amid the federal government shutdown as courts and officials spar over use of contingency funds. Two federal judges have ordered the administration to tap USDA contingency funds and given authorities until early November to resolve payment timing, but mixed judicial and agency directions may still delay payments. President Trump said he would fund SNAP if courts provide legal clarity, while Justice Department lawyers have argued the contingency fund cannot cover partial payments. Local governments, food banks and nonprofits are mobilizing emergency aid — including proposed city support in Fresno, a Metro United Way hardship fund in Kentucky, and coordinated relief in Memphis — while warning the nonprofit safety net cannot fully replace frozen federal benefits. Advocates and agencies cited large regional gaps (roughly $123 million in monthly benefits for parts of Central California and an estimated $124 million hit to Arizona grocers), urged donations and volunteer support, and stressed diapers, formula and wipes are not eligible for SNAP or WIC and are being prioritized by relief efforts.