USDA confirms full SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans during prolonged shutdown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed it will fund full SNAP food benefits for more than 42 million Americans, following federal court orders. The decision follows weeks of legal disputes as the government shutdown entered its 38th day.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said Friday it is taking steps to fully fund SNAP benefits for November, complying with a federal court ruling that requires the agency to release full payments.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as food stamps, supports roughly one in eight Americans. The program became one of the biggest flashpoints of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 38th day, as funding uncertainty put monthly benefits at risk.

Earlier, the Trump administration stated the program had run out of money, saying the nearly $9 billion monthly cost could not be covered. Federal judges in two separate rulings ordered the government to release emergency funding, first partially, and later in full.

Although the USDA initially moved to issue partial payments, officials warned some states could take weeks to distribute recalculated benefits, raising concerns of delays. A second federal ruling on Thursday directed the agency to release full benefits by the end of Friday, prompting the USDA to begin disbursement.

The administration has appealed the ruling at a Boston federal appeals court, which has not yet issued a decision. It remains unclear how the legal challenge may proceed or whether further funding disputes will arise.

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