Overview
- USDA official Patrick Penn said November SNAP maximum allotments will be reduced by 35%, correcting earlier warnings of a 50% cut.
- The Department of Justice reported a USDA calculation error that led to revised guidance for states to issue reduced benefits.
- The White House said it will comply with federal court orders from Massachusetts and Rhode Island permitting partial payments using contingency funds.
- About $5 billion in contingency funding is available against roughly $8 billion needed for full November benefits, leaving only temporary coverage.
- The cut affects tens of millions of recipients nationwide as local leaders, including Chicago’s mayor, expand food-bank assistance and confirm WIC will operate normally this month.