SNAP Faces Funding Uncertainty Amid Government Shutdown

Mon Nov 03 2025 15:07:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the government shutdown continues, millions rely on the SNAP program for food assistance. Courts are stepping in to demand continued funding.

The Trump administration must decide by Monday whether to comply with court orders to fund SNAP during the government shutdown. The program, vital for many American families, could see delays in benefits, impacting food security for millions. Legal challenges from 25 states argue for the program’s continuation, as federal judges call for urgent action.

The SNAP program, which aids approximately 42 million Americans, faces financial uncertainty as the Trump administration navigates a government shutdown. The USDA's announced freeze on SNAP payments starting Nov. 1 has raised alarms about food security among millions who depend on this vital assistance.

Federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have ordered the administration to explore funding options, including using contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits. This pressure comes from officials from 25 states and cities who argue that the government must uphold its responsibility to support those in need.

Beneficiaries may experience delays in receiving benefits, intensifying the already precarious situation for families struggling to make ends meet. With the potential of halted aid, many will face tough choices about where to allocate their limited resources.

Advocates emphasize that upholding SNAP is crucial, especially during such uncertain times, and call for the administration to act swiftly to secure necessary funding for November and beyond.