Some states commenced the distribution of benefits over the weekend, following a crucial court ruling amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. A significant food distribution event was held at Exposition Park in Los Angeles on November 11, 2025, where free food boxes were provided to those in need, addressing the delays in SNAP/CalFresh benefits.
A U.S. District Judge, Indira Talwani, intervened by issuing a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, asserting that the states acted properly by beginning to issue full SNAP benefits. The judge emphasized that the administration’s claim that these actions were unauthorized was “untethered to the factual record.”
In her ruling, Judge Talwani mandated the government to ensure that emergency funds for SNAP, which cover approximately 65% of the November benefits, be made available to states by Thursday. Although the government shutdown is approaching an end, this ruling bolsters the efforts of Democratic state officials who initiated the benefit disbursement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that once the shutdown is resolved, full SNAP benefits will be disbursed. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, notified states that it was working to implement the full benefit issuances for November 2025 in accordance with another court order.
However, in a surprising twist, the USDA later instructed states to reverse any steps taken toward the full SNAP benefit disbursement, claiming these actions were unauthorized. Judge Talwani criticized the administration’s mixed messages, highlighting that their assertions lacked factual support considering that states were acting in compliance with established court orders.
This situation illustrates the challenges facing many Americans dependent on SNAP benefits during the shutdown, while also demonstrating the impact of judicial oversight in navigating these turbulent times. With hope for a resolution, many individuals and families look forward to receiving the support they need to navigate these difficult circumstances.