A federal judge has mandated that the Trump administration fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, following a prolonged government shutdown that has significantly impacted millions of Americans. Initially, the administration had intended to halt its funding entirely this month, but Judge John McConnell’s order has enforced the necessity of providing full benefits to those in need.
SNAP is a vital program that supports approximately 42 million Americans—about one in eight citizens—helping low-income families afford groceries. Judge McConnell stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that without the necessary funding, “16 million children are immediately at risk of going hungry.”
In his ruling, the Rhode Island-based judge accused the administration of withholding food aid for political motives and criticized President Trump for his remarks indicating that benefits would be distributed only after the shutdown concluded. McConnell stated this reflected an intention to “defy the court order.” Responding to a request from local governments and non-profits, he specifically ordered that benefits should be disbursed by Friday, noting that any further delays would be “simply unacceptable.”
Judge McConnell’s ruling is seen as a significant victory for groups advocating for SNAP, including Democracy Forward, which initiated the lawsuit. The organization highlighted the importance of the court’s decision in ensuring that the administration ceases using people’s lives as political leverage when it comes to food assistance.
The program itself has faced funding issues during the ongoing shutdown, which has lasted over a month. The federal government, which provides crucial financial support for SNAP, has been unfunded since October 1, forcing many states, along with the District of Columbia, to sue the administration for food-aid funding. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have ruled in favor of using emergency funds amounting to $5.25 billion to facilitate at least partial payments to Americans in need.
As SNAP typically incurs an average cost of $8 billion each month, families benefit through reloadable debit cards that provide essential food purchases. On average, a family of four receives around $715 monthly, translating to roughly $6 per person, per day.
In light of the uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding, local governments have stepped in to guide beneficiaries toward community food pantries, which have been working rigorously to organize emergency drives. In addition, many Americans are sharing cost-saving recipes online, demonstrating resilience and creativity in challenging times.
This ruling brings hope as it emphasizes the critical need to support those reliant on food assistance, ensuring that less fortunate families are not left to fend for themselves during this challenging period.