In brief
The Trump administration has requested a federal appeals court to block a judge’s order to provide full monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November during the ongoing government shutdown. Although the administration is appealing, certain states, including Wisconsin, report that SNAP recipients have already received their payments. This legal battle contributes to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the food assistance program essential for millions of Americans.
BOSTON (AP) — In a twist amidst the U.S. government shutdown, the Trump administration is appealing a federal judge's directive to distribute full November SNAP benefits, a critical support for low-income families across the country. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. had mandated that the administration fulfill its obligations under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but a recent court filing indicates the administration's request to suspend these orders, citing fiscal constraints related to a contingency fund. Despite the legal battle, some states, notably Wisconsin, have already facilitated the distribution of full November benefits to SNAP recipients, confirming that many families are aware of their balances. This ongoing situation underscores the precariousness of food assistance amidst political and economic challenges, affecting about one in eight Americans who rely on such benefits.
