Food banks around the country are trying to pick up the slack from the pause in SNAP benefits. The courts say benefits must be restored but it is unknown when. Here, Park Hill Food Pantry volunteers in Denver work to fill the need on Friday. Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
The uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues as millions of Americans await the restoration of their benefits. The Trump administration has been given a deadline by federal judges to outline a plan to resume funding amidst the government shutdown.
SNAP, which provides an average of $187 per month to about 42 million Americans, is a vital source of support, especially for children and adolescents who make up nearly 39% of recipients, according to the USDA.
Due to the government shutdown, funding for SNAP was halted starting November 1st, marking an unprecedented occurrence for the anti-hunger program. However, two federal judges have now ruled that the freeze is likely illegal, urging the administration to use emergency funds allocated by Congress.
Judge John McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island emphasized the need for immediate use of these funds, while Judge Indira Talwani in Boston suggested the possibility of using additional customs revenue. Both judges have demanded a plan from the Trump administration by Monday.
In response, President Trump indicated on social media his willingness to provide funding, stating, “it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay.”
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned that while the administration will not challenge the court’s decision, the process to restore SNAP benefits could take time, with a possible resumption by Wednesday.
Even with a resolution, delays are expected in November’s benefits distribution, as many states take several days to reload SNAP cards. Moreover, the allocated $5 billion emergency funding is insufficient to cover the program’s monthly $9 billion cost, potentially leading to reduced benefit amounts for recipients.
States like Arkansas, New Hampshire, and Washington have pledged to support food banks using their own budgets, although federal reimbursement is not guaranteed.
An Agriculture Department employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, highlighted the logistical challenges of distributing partial benefits and the potential for uneven distribution among states.
Amid these challenges, food banks are striving to fill the gap left by SNAP. Elizabeth Keever of Harvesters food bank in Kansas City conveyed the difficulty of meeting the increased demand, stating, “We’re in uncharted territory.” Keever added, “It’s nearly impossible to make up the gap that SNAP is leaving us, but we’re doing everything we can to make sure that we are easing this burden for folks.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
