Judges Order SNAP Contingency Funding

Two federal judges — U.S. District Judges Indira Talwani (Mass.) and John J. McConnell (R.I.) — ruled Friday that the Trump administration must use contingency or emergency funds to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. Talwani gave the administration until Monday to state whether November benefits will be partially or fully funded, while McConnell ordered immediate use of contingency funds and requested a timely update on distribution. A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states, plus cities and nonprofits, sued, arguing the government can tap emergency reserves and that halting SNAP would unlawfully harm millions; judges found the administration’s legal reading questionable. SNAP serves about one in eight Americans and costs roughly $8–9 billion per month; courts noted contingency reserves of roughly $5–6 billion that may not cover an entire month’s benefits. The administration says using those funds without clear congressional direction is unlawful and may appeal, and courts warned payments could still be delayed as USDA and states reload benefits, potentially increasing demand at food banks and straining local officials.