A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must decide by “no later than Monday” whether to continue at least partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 42 million low-income Americans. The decision comes amid concerns that millions could go without food assistance starting Saturday.
Judge Indira Talwani indicated she was unconvinced by the administration’s claim that it is legally barred from using a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) emergency fund to maintain SNAP payments.
The case arose after two dozen Democratic-led states sued the USDA over the unprecedented suspension of the nation’s largest anti-hunger program. Talwani affirmed that the states are correct in challenging the suspension as unlawful but declined to issue a temporary restraining order. She noted that benefits could still resume later without causing irreparable harm to recipients.
Disruption of SNAP benefits could also impact small grocery stores, which analysts warn may face increased strain amid an already shrinking number of independent supermarkets.
The judge emphasized that the USDA must use emergency funds to sustain SNAP. Additional funds are legally available, but the administration retains discretion over how much aid to distribute.
