On November 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a memo to states. This memo stated to readjust SNAP benefits. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The memo warned states of penalties if they don’t comply. This has left millions of families in doubt. The memo came during a government shutdown and court fights.
The order follows a Supreme Court ruling from November 8. That ruling paused a lower court’s demand for full payments. Now, about 42 million Americans may lose some food help. Many already face hard times with money. The trouble started on November 1. SNAP benefits, or food stamps, did not load for the first time ever. This happened because of a long federal shutdown.
It began in October and has stopped key offices. The USDA first said no to using a $5.3 billion emergency fund for full benefits. They claimed it was not legal. Then, Rhode Island Judge John McConnell ordered partial payments on November 4. That meant at least 65% of full amounts, or about $3 billion nationwide.
On November 7, he went further. He said to shift money from other food programs for full benefits. This could free up $8 billion. The Trump team appealed. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson stopped it temporarily on November 8. She sent it back for more review.
Soon after, USDA’s Patrick Penn emailed state SNAP leaders. The memo said: “If states sent full payment files for November 2025, that was not allowed.” It added: “States must stop and undo those steps right away.”
If they don’t, they could lose federal help for costs. Or they might owe money back. This flip-flop is a mess for states. They must fix their systems now. Some are old and slow. In those places, it could take weeks or months to send only partial aid. This raises hunger risks for needy families.
In Ohio, 1.45 million people use SNAP. The impact hits hard there. Families expected full payments after the first court order. Now they face long waits. Ohio’s Job and Family Services said on November 9 that benefits are delayed due to the Supreme Court pause. No clear end date yet.
A Columbus person shared fear in an online group. Over 322,000 local families depend on SNAP. Food banks expect more people, but they lack supplies. Governor Mike DeWine signed an order for up to $25 million in emergency help. Advocates say it’s just a short fix for a big problem.
Stories show the real pain across the U.S. Democratic governors fight back. Oregon’s Tina Kotek said her state’s full payments were legal. They went out before the Supreme Court ruling. So the USDA order does not apply. Wisconsin’s Tony Evers agreed. He promised court battles to stop the admin from taking food aid from kids, families, and seniors.
Massachusetts AG Maura Healey told people to use their loaded benefits. She vowed to sue if the feds try to take money back. On social media, panic spreads. One post said unstable funding pushes disabled and poor people to the edge. Late updates add to the fear.
Critics like Senator Patty Murray blame Republicans. They say the GOP uses hunger to win in shutdown talks. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes partial benefits cut aid by 35%. This hurts rural and red states most, where many use SNAP. Food shortages are already high, like during the pandemic in Hawaii. Without a fix, it could get worse.
The shutdown continues. People watch Congress for a deal to reopen and fund fully. For now, check your state’s SNAP site for news. Call local food banks or 211 for help. Try WIC or state programs if you qualify. The doubt remains. It shows how weak America’s help system is during fights in D.C.
