Federal Judges Demand Trump Administration’s SNAP Funding Plan
PROVIDENCE, R.I. & BOSTON – Teh Trump administration faces renewed scrutiny from federal courts as judges demand a clear plan for continued funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid ongoing budgetary disputes. U.S. District Judges John J.McConnell in Rhode Island and Indira Talwani in Massachusetts have ruled against the administration’s suspension of SNAP benefits, requiring the USDA to utilize available funds to maintain the program.
the rulings stem from concerns that halting food assistance would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, forcing tough choices between groceries and essential bills. SNAP, which assisted nearly 42 million people in 2018 – two-thirds of whom were families with children - provides critical support to low-income individuals and families. The USDA has a $5 billion contingency fund, and Democratic officials contend a seperate $23 billion fund could also be tapped.
Judge mcconnell in Providence ordered the USDA to fund SNAP using contingency funds and requested an update on progress by Monday. He also mandated the continuation of all previously approved work requirement waivers, which the USDA had begun terminating for groups including older adults and veterans during the recent goverment shutdown.
In Boston,Judge talwani ruled the suspension unlawful and directed the federal government to determine by Monday whether it will provide reduced SNAP benefits for November using emergency reserve funds or fully fund the program with both contingency funds and additional available resources.
Advocates report that many states are proactively seeking alternative solutions, including expedited funding for food banks and innovative methods to load benefits onto SNAP debit cards. To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a family of four’s net income cannot exceed the federal poverty line, approximately $32,000 annually.
