WASHINGTON – The uncertainty surrounding the distribution of November food aid benefits continues as millions of families await clarity amid the ongoing government shutdown. Recent decisions from federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have mandated that the Trump administration utilize approximately $5.25 billion in contingency funds to ensure at least partial payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
As the shutdown drags into a new week, the administration’s previous plan to halt payments at the start of November is now in question. The federal judges instructed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider using discretionary funds to provide full benefits for the month. They have also requested an update on the administration’s actions within a few days.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Donald Trump is eager to receive information from the courts about the legal means to reallocate funds for SNAP payments. He mentioned during an interview on CNN that these payments could possibly be distributed by Wednesday, depending on the process.
Bessent also noted that the Trump administration has decided not to appeal the judges’ rulings, which could pave the way for the necessary funding modifications.
The ramifications of the government shutdown extend beyond food assistance programs. With federal funding for national parks running out on September 30, many parks remain open but largely unattended. Visitors can access roads, trails, and some outdoor memorials, yet facilities and indoor attractions remain closed due to insufficient staffing.
This government shutdown has now reached 33 days, positioning it as the second longest in U.S. history. Should it continue until Election Day on November 4, it may tie the record set during the 2018-2019 shutdown, which lasted 35 days.
In terms of other federal programs, Social Security payments will remain uninterrupted as these benefits are classified as mandatory spending. Thus, payments for retirement, disability, and other related programs will continue to be processed normally, albeit with limited service availability at Social Security offices.
With the SNAP program accounting for around 70% of the USDA’s nutrition assistance budget for the fiscal year 2024, the potential impact on other food programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has raised concerns. These programs serve millions of vulnerable populations, including infants and schoolchildren.
Legal scrutiny over SNAP benefits has been reinforced through repeated court orders. Massachusetts federal Judge Indira Talwani directed the government to utilize its contingency funds adequately, while Rhode Island federal Judge John McConnell echoed this sentiment, mandating that funds are distributed to ensure at least partial November benefits by early November.
The current shutdown stems from a failure in Congress to pass a spending bill, primarily due to disagreements over health care funding. Democrats seek to extend subsidies that help millions afford health insurance, which are set to expire at the end of 2025.
Without a clear resolution in sight, the pressure is mounting on the administration to act swiftly and ensure necessary support for those who rely on food assistance and other critical government services during this prolonged shutdown.