Overview
- Two federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island directed the administration to use roughly $5–6 billion in contingency funds to keep SNAP payments flowing, with one order giving USDA until Monday to outline how benefits will be paid.
- Officials and advocates warn payments could still be delayed due to operational timelines and potential appeals, with the University of California saying about 58,000 students may face late CalFresh aid.
- Local governments are deploying stopgaps: San Francisco plans $18 million in CalFresh coverage via a public‑private partnership, Alameda County approved about $10 million plus new donations, Santa Clara County set aside $4.5 million, and Contra Costa County is weighing $20 million in grocery gift cards as California speeds $80 million in state aid and sends National Guard support to food banks.
- Private sector programs are launching nationwide, including Instacart’s 50% grocery discount for October EBT users (up to $5 million), GoPuff’s $50 in credits for SNAP shoppers (up to $10 million), and DoorDash’s plan for 1 million free meals and fee waivers on 300,000 grocery orders.
- Food banks and community groups report rising demand and are scaling up distributions in places like the Bay Area, New York City, and Maryland as roughly 42 million SNAP recipients prepare for possible delays.