Overview
- USDA told states it will use about $4.65 billion in contingency funds, reducing maximum SNAP allotments to roughly 50% for November under court orders.
- States report staggered rollouts: Michigan plans initial deposits on Nov. 8 for some recipients, North Carolina expects loading next week, and Texas says it is still awaiting detailed guidance.
- Massachusetts officials warn that cutting only the maximum benefit can yield far less than half for many households and could leave some with no November payment, prompting calls for simpler one-time 50% issuances.
- Public messaging has sown confusion after President Donald Trump posted that benefits would resume only when the shutdown ends, followed by the press secretary saying the administration will comply with the court orders.
- Local stopgaps are scaling up but fall short of SNAP’s reach, with Contra Costa County issuing $21 million in debit cards, Philadelphia launching a $14 million support program, and food banks reporting sharp surges in demand.