A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration’s effort to divide November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments into two separate installments. U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued the ruling on Saturday, directing the government to distribute partial benefits using the remaining emergency funds by Wednesday.
The lawsuit-filed by 21 states and the District of Columbia-claimed the administration’s proposed payment division would inflict “immediate and irreparable harm” on millions of families who depend on the program for their daily meals.
Government Shutdown Strains Food Assistance Program
Amid an ongoing federal government shutdown, the Trump administration had proposed issuing SNAP benefits in two smaller payments to stretch limited resources. The Agriculture Department warned that without this adjustment, the funds could run dry before December, potentially affecting millions of recipients.
The $7 billion contingency reserve that has supported SNAP operations for October and November is nearly depleted, leaving agencies scrambling to sustain the nation’s largest food assistance program.
State Reactions and Operational Confusion
Several states-including Florida, Texas, and Ohio-had already begun implementing the administration’s payment-splitting plan before the court’s intervention. Others, such as New York and California, openly resisted, arguing the move would create confusion and delay.
Now, states that followed federal guidance must urgently reverse course, recalculating benefits and ensuring compliance with the judge’s order-an administrative challenge that could delay payments further.
Families and Food Banks Feel the Strain
The SNAP program provides crucial nutritional aid to more than 42 million Americans. With uncertainty hanging over November’s payments, recipients are anxious about whether they’ll have enough to cover basic food needs.
Across the country, food banks are seeing surges in demand. Many report being stretched to their limits as the shutdown drags on, forcing them to fill the gaps left by delayed or reduced benefits.
Shutdown’s Broader Impact on Social Safety Nets
Judge McConnell’s temporary injunction offers short-term relief to beneficiaries, but the broader implications of the government shutdown continue to ripple across social programs. The court is expected to hold further hearings to determine the legality of the administration’s plan and whether it violates federal food assistance laws.
As the shutdown enters its second month, lawmakers face mounting pressure to reach a budget agreement and prevent deeper disruptions to essential services.
