What's happened
Amid ongoing government shutdown, courts have ordered the US government to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prevent hunger for millions. Despite legal rulings, the administration's delays and partial payments threaten food security, with uncertainty over when benefits will fully resume.
What's behind the headline?
The legal rulings highlight a critical tension between executive authority and judicial oversight in social welfare programs. Courts have consistently emphasized that the government must use contingency funds to prevent harm, underscoring the importance of legal accountability in safeguarding basic needs. The administration's reluctance to fully fund SNAP, citing legal and budgetary constraints, reveals a broader political strategy to leverage the shutdown for policy goals. This approach risks deepening food insecurity, especially as delays in card reloads could extend for weeks, leaving millions vulnerable. The situation underscores the fragility of social safety nets in political crises and foreshadows ongoing legal battles that will shape the future of federal assistance programs. The next steps will likely involve further court interventions and potential legislative action to clarify funding obligations, but immediate relief remains uncertain for many families.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that courts have ordered the government to fully fund SNAP, with some states beginning to see benefits flow again, despite delays. The New York Times highlights the legal challenges and the administration's reluctance to use emergency funds, emphasizing the potential for widespread hunger. Al Jazeera provides context on the shutdown's duration and the unprecedented nature of SNAP suspension, noting that courts have ruled against the administration's claims that contingency funds cannot be used. The contrasting opinions reflect a legal consensus that the government must prioritize food security, but political rhetoric continues to complicate the situation, with President Trump linking benefits to government reopening and questioning the legality of emergency fund use.
How we got here
The US government shutdown began over a month ago, with the Department of Agriculture initially claiming it could not fund SNAP without congressional approval. Courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ordered the government to draw from contingency funds to maintain benefits, as the administration argued it lacked authority. The administration then partially funded SNAP using emergency reserves, but delays and legal challenges persisted, with courts emphasizing the government's obligation to act swiftly to prevent hunger among 42 million Americans. The situation has been complicated by political statements from President Trump, who linked benefit payments to reopening the government, despite court rulings mandating continued funding.
Go deeper
Common question
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What are the latest updates on the US government shutdown and food aid?
The US government shutdown has raised concerns about food assistance programs like SNAP. Recent court rulings have forced the government to continue funding these benefits despite the shutdown. If you're wondering whether you'll still receive food aid or when benefits might resume, this page covers the key updates and answers your questions about how the shutdown impacts everyday Americans and their access to food assistance.
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How Is the US Government Shutdown Affecting Food Aid and Social Services?
The ongoing US government shutdown has raised concerns about the continuation of vital food assistance programs like SNAP. With courts ordering benefits to continue despite political disagreements, many Americans are wondering what this means for their access to food and social services. Below, we explore key questions about the shutdown's impact, current benefit statuses, and what the future might hold for those relying on government aid.
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In the United States, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly yet still commonly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people.
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