The Trump administration announced plans on November 3, 2023, to partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for millions of Americans affected by the ongoing government shutdown. This decision comes after federal judges ruled that the administration must utilize contingency funds to ensure some level of benefits for November.
In a court filing in Rhode Island, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlined its strategy to comply with the directive from U.S. District Judge John McConnell. The USDA confirmed it will utilize the entire $5.25 billion in SNAP contingency funds to meet the immediate needs of eligible households, although this amount falls significantly short of the full monthly cost of SNAP benefits, which ranges from $8 billion to $9 billion.
While the administration has committed to depleting the contingency funds, it will not access additional resources that could cover the full SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million Americans. Instead, $600 million will be allocated for states’ administrative costs, leaving $4.65 billion to cover only 50% of the current allotments for eligible households. This approach marks an unprecedented shift in SNAP’s funding history.
The USDA has cautioned that some states may require weeks to months to adjust their systems to accommodate the reduced benefits. SNAP payments are crucial for individuals and families living below 130% of the federal poverty line, which translates to an income of $1,632 per month for a single-person household and $2,215 for a two-person household in many regions.
The ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2023, has raised significant concerns regarding SNAP funding. The USDA previously indicated that insufficient funds would lead to the suspension of benefits starting November 1. In response, Judges McConnell and Indira Talwani in Boston ruled on the need for the administration to tap into a separate fund containing approximately $23 billion for federal food programs.
Patrick Penn, the deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services at the USDA, stated in a court document that while the agency is considering the use of these additional funds, its priority remains to secure resources for child nutrition programs rather than expanding SNAP benefits.
The implications of these decisions are profound, with millions of Americans depending on SNAP assistance for their daily food needs. The administration’s partial funding plan reflects a critical moment in U.S. food aid, as it must navigate the challenges posed by political gridlock and economic necessity.
