U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has announced plans to provide reduced food aid to over 42 million Americans, as the federal government shutdown approaches a record duration without resolution.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disclosed in a court filing that food assistance recipients will receive only half of their normal monthly benefits, a decision prompted by a dip into emergency funding amidst the ongoing shutdown.
Federal judges had mandated the Trump administration to devise a plan for distributing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, following the aforementioned government shutdown, which has lasted for over a month.
Each state administers food assistance but relies heavily on federal funding, which has been unavailable since the shutdown began on October 1.
State officials are to receive guidance on distributing the reduced funds by Monday evening, allowing for some level of support despite the crisis. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the USDA should deploy $5.25 billion in emergency funds to ensure at least partial payments to those on SNAP.
Currently, SNAP costs approximately $8 billion each month, and about half the states, along with the District of Columbia, have taken legal action against the administration concerning the freeze on food aid, arguing they have a legal obligation to maintain the program.
In a recent interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that President Trump is keen on receiving guidance from the courts regarding the legal avenues to fund SNAP disbursements, with hopes that payments might occur as soon as Wednesday.
As food assistance is pivotal for many low-income families, this move comes amid mounting anxiety as recipients brace for the continued implications of the shutdown.
A typical family of four on SNAP receives around $715 a month, equating to just under $6 per person daily, emphasizing the vital role of these benefits in providing food security.
