Overview
- USDA told federal courts it will use roughly $4.6 billion in SNAP contingency funds to cover about 50% of typical November benefits.
- Officials warned states may face significant delays and payment errors as legacy systems are reprogrammed for reduced amounts.
- Judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts rejected arguments against using the reserve and required the government to keep SNAP running.
- The agency said Section 32 child nutrition dollars will not be diverted, preserving school and child-feeding programs.
- Food banks, schools, and some state and local leaders are expanding emergency distributions and exploring limited stopgaps as 42 million recipients await partial aid.