It's day 34 of the US federal government shutdown, and while politicians are gridlocked, millions relying on SNAP – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – could finally get a breather.
On Monday, the US Department of Agriculture filed that $4.65 billion from a contingency fund will go toward November's SNAP benefits, covering roughly 50% of current allotments 🥪.
This action follows a federal judge in Rhode Island ordering the use of emergency funds for SNAP recipients. In Massachusetts, another judge called the original plan to halt benefits "likely unlawful," but stopped short of demanding the cash be released.
President Trump wrote on Truth Social, "I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible."
Until now, the administration said it lacked authority to tap into the $5-6 billion emergency pool needed to fund SNAP, which needs over $8 billion for November. SNAP is the nation's largest anti-hunger program, serving nearly 42 million people, most at or below the poverty line 🌟.
This move underscores a bigger point: no matter where we are, strong social safety nets matter, especially when political debates risk leaving vulnerable people without basic support 🙌.
As the shutdown drags on, everyone's watching to see if more relief makes it through — or if empty plates become the newest headline this winter ❄️.
Reference(s):
Trump admin to partially fund SNAP benefits amid gov't shutdown
cgtn.com
