The Trump administration announced that it will use $4.65 billion from contingency funds to pay 50% of November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the federal government shutdown continues.
The Trump administration has committed to partially funding SNAP with emergency funds, but "it's not going to be enough to full cover SNAP benefits for all those recipients for the month of November," @JayOBTV reports. https://t.co/aEHMNbBecC pic.twitter.com/PAIsF7c1dn
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) November 3, 2025
The move, disclosed in a court filing Monday, follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Jack McConnell directing the administration to continue SNAP payments.
Judge McConnell had suggested using additional funds from the Child Nutrition Program to cover full benefits, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rejected that option.
USDA officials said those funds are reserved for school lunch and child nutrition programs and cannot be diverted.
If you or your family are affected by the loss of SNAP benefits, we have compiled a list of local food banks and other support resources where you can find assistance: https://t.co/6iBdcqQYHB
— City of Vancouver, Washington (@VancouverUS) November 3, 2025
Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said states could begin distributing the reduced benefits by Wednesday.
The administration stressed it is fulfilling its legal obligation while ensuring that funds for children’s nutrition remain intact.
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TIPP Staff
