The Trump administration announced Monday it would provide partial funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after two courts ruled that benefits must continue during the government shutdown. The rulings came just hours before the program’s funding was set to expire.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture had planned to halt SNAP payments starting Nov. 1, citing inability to sustain the $8 billion monthly program amid the shutdown. SNAP serves approximately 1 in 8 Americans, offering critical support for food security. However, details remain unclear on how much beneficiaries will receive or when funds will appear on their debit cards. The process of reloading SNAP benefits can take up to two weeks in some states, with an average monthly allotment of $190 per person.

The USDA initially withheld November payments, prompting urgent efforts by food banks, state governments, and the 42 million recipients to secure grocery access. Over two dozen states sued the agency to compel funding, while Louisiana, New Mexico, Vermont, and Rhode Island temporarily covered benefits using state resources. A 2025 USDA survey revealed that 12% of Americans rely on SNAP for over half their monthly food expenses, with 83% of participants including children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.