The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive limited funding for November despite the federal government shutdown, according to an announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture. The revised plan comes after two federal judges ordered the administration to restore benefit payments even amid the lack of a full congressional budget.
The USDA stated that approximately $4.65 billion from contingency reserves will be tapped to support SNAP, roughly half of the program’s typical monthly outlay of around $8 billion. The program serves about 42 million Americans, with the average benefit at around $190 per person.
States were instructed to notify recipients of the benefit reduction and to process appeals related to any changes. The administration opted not to draw from alternate child nutrition funds, citing legal and logistical concerns.
Some states are stepping in to fill funding gaps. For example, one state has committed to using nearly $62 million from its fiscal reserve to ensure residents continue receiving food-assistance payments. Meanwhile, food-pantry demand is rising and advocacy groups warn the partial funding may leave families struggling to meet basic needs.
The decision halts the previously announced benefit freeze scheduled for November 1 and signals a stop-gap measure rather than a long-term solution. With the shutdown ongoing, the full restoration of benefits remains uncertain.