Overview
- Two federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island directed USDA to use contingency funds for November SNAP and to detail next steps to the courts by Monday.
- Roughly $5.25 billion is available in the contingency pool, short of the estimated $8–9 billion needed for a full month of benefits, raising the prospect of partial payouts.
- President Trump said he would fund SNAP if given appropriate legal direction and instructed lawyers to seek court clarification, with appeals and administrative steps potentially delaying disbursements.
- States and cities are deploying stopgaps, including New York’s emergency actions, San Francisco’s $18 million plan, Alameda County’s roughly $10 million, and Santa Clara County’s $4.5 million for food aid.
- Private efforts are ramping up as food banks brace for higher demand, with Instacart offering 50% off one order for SNAP users, DoorDash waiving fees and delivering meals, Gopuff providing $50 in credits, and Albertsons sending $13 million in gift cards to food banks.