Washington: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it is working to comply with a court order that requires it to pay full food aid benefits to millions of Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The move comes as legal battles continue over how the government should manage the program during the ongoing federal shutdown.
A federal judge recently ordered the USDA to ensure that full November SNAP payments are issued to more than 42 million people across the country.
The court ruled that funds could be drawn from other nutrition programs to meet the payment needs, which total about 8 to 9 billion dollars for the month. However, the USDA had previously said it only had enough money to cover about half of that amount.
Following the order, the USDA began notifying states that it is taking steps to distribute full benefits. Several states, including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, have already moved to issue full payments to families in need.
Still, confusion remains after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allowed the government to hold back about 4 billion dollars while the case continues on appeal.
The legal and financial dispute comes during one of the longest federal shutdowns in recent years. With no new funding approved by Congress, the USDA has been using emergency funds to support SNAP, but those resources are limited. Officials said they are exploring all options to prevent delays, though some states have warned that it could take weeks before payments are fully restored.
The USDA explained that the funds in question are typically reserved for child nutrition programs and that using them for SNAP could create additional financial strain elsewhere. However, the federal judge emphasized that ensuring food security for low-income families should take priority during the shutdown.
The situation has raised growing concern among advocacy groups and lawmakers who warn that millions of Americans could face food shortages if payments are delayed. Food banks in several states have already reported higher demand, as families prepare for potential benefit reductions.
The case is now awaiting a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston, which will decide whether the USDA must immediately release the full amount or can continue with partial payments. The Supreme Court’s temporary stay will expire two days after the appeals court issues its decision.
For now, the USDA says it is committed to following the court’s order as closely as possible while balancing the limits of available funds. Officials added that the department’s priority remains protecting access to food for vulnerable families until Congress resolves the shutdown and restores normal funding.