In a stunning blow to millions of low-income families, the Trump administration has announced it will restart SNAP food benefits at just half the normal amount, leaving a massive gap in food assistance amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The partial funding comes after a federal judge ordered the government to act. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the administration must use emergency funds to cover at least half of November’s SNAP payments. This follows weeks of shutdown chaos that halted benefits for the first time in the program’s history.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release $4.65 billion, but payments could take months to reach everyone.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps about 42 million Americans buy groceries each month. More than half are children or seniors. The average household gets $298 monthly, but now they’ll see just $149 for November, if it arrives on time. Delays stem from state offices overwhelmed by the backlog. Some states, like California and New York, say checks might not go out until mid-December.
Low-income families are feeling the pinch. “We’re already stretching every dollar,” said Maria Gonzalez, a single mom in Texas who relies on SNAP for her two kids. Without full benefits, many turn to food banks, which report lines doubling since the shutdown started on October 1. Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief group, warns of a “hunger cliff” if the shutdown drags on.
The Trump administration blames Congress for the impasse. “We’re doing what we can with limited resources,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. But critics, including Democratic lawmakers, call it a failure to prioritize nutrition programs. “This is no way to treat vulnerable Americans,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Federal judges’ rulings have been key. In addition to Howell’s order, another court mandated partial payments after lawsuits from advocacy groups. The administration initially claimed no funds were available, but judges pointed to $8 billion in reserves.
Emergency funds are a stopgap, not a fix. If the shutdown ends soon, full benefits could resume in December. But with talks stalled over border security and spending, uncertainty looms. Food assistance experts urge families to seek local help. “Contact your state agency or a food pantry,” advised Joel Berg from Hunger Free America. Nutrition programs like WIC and school meals remain funded for now, offering some relief.
As winter approaches, the half payments highlight the shutdown’s human cost. For many, it’s not just about food, it’s about stability for kids and elders. The restart is welcome, but the cuts and delays leave a bitter taste.
