Overview
- USDA told courts it will exhaust roughly $4.65–$5.25 billion in contingency funds to provide about 50% of typical November SNAP allotments for roughly 42 million recipients.
- The administration rejected using other nutrition accounts such as Section 32, despite judges noting that broader funds could cover the gap, and labeled such transfers an unacceptable risk.
- Officials warned distribution will be slow as states recalculate reduced amounts and reload EBT cards, a process that could take days to weeks and in some states months.
- Court filings indicate no contingency money will remain for new November applicants or disaster-related SNAP needs, heightening the risk of another lapse if the shutdown continues into December.
- Food banks report surging demand as many states declare emergencies or add limited aid, and separate SNAP rule changes expanding work requirements and tightening non‑citizen eligibility also took effect.