Overview
- USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service told states it is making funds available for full November issuances in line with a Rhode Island court order, even as the administration appeals and seeks an emergency stay.
- U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. directed the use of contingency reserves to pay 100% of November benefits, the Justice Department argued Congress must act, and Vice President J.D. Vance called the ruling absurd.
- States are moving ahead: California recipients report full CalFresh deposits and the state expects normal November scheduling; Connecticut approved state funding to cover the month within four days; Maine set issuances for Nov. 10–14; Missouri targets mid‑next week and Kansas said benefits would post Friday.
- Food banks report sharp increases in need and emergency operations, including Bay Area helpline calls up about 200% and large-scale distributions in Houston as charities strain to meet demand.
- Advocates caution that limited federal contingency funds put future months at risk, and colleges are expanding support as an estimated 1.1 million students experience disruptions.