Trump administration will tap emergency fund to pay partial food stamp benefits
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Amid an escalating government shutdown that has now stretched into its second month, the Trump administration announced it will issue reduced food aid to more than 42 million Americans relying on federal assistance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed federal courts that recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, will receive only half of their usual monthly benefits. The decision comes as the government turns to emergency funds to keep the program running.Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island had directed the administration to outline how it planned to pay SNAP benefits amid the budget crisis. Both courts instructed the USDA to use roughly 5.25 billion dollars in contingency reserves to make partial payments while the shutdown continues. SNAP typically costs about 8 billion dollars each month.The prolonged shutdown, which began on October 1, has left key agencies without funding and is on track to become the longest in U.S. history. While individual states manage SNAP distribution, they depend on federal funding to sustain the program. By Monday evening, state governments are expected to receive updated guidance from the USDA on how to allocate the reduced funds.President Donald Trump said his administration is seeking legal clarity from the courts on how federal money can be lawfully redirected to sustain food aid. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNN that benefits could resume as soon as Wednesday once the process is legally confirmed.“The president wants to make sure the proper legal process is followed,” Bessent said, emphasizing that officials must determine how to legally move funds to continue payments.Last month, the USDA had warned that it could no longer distribute food assistance starting November 1, saying that “the well has run dry.” That announcement sparked multiple lawsuits from states, cities, and non-profit organizations, all demanding continued payments to low-income households. Some states have even pledged to use their own resources to temporarily cover benefits.SNAP provides reloadable debit cards that help low-income families purchase groceries. On average, a household of four receives around $715 a month — or just under $6 per person, per day — to buy essential food items.As millions brace for reduced support, local food banks and charities are pre