Two federal judges on Friday ordered the Trump administration to access contingency funds to ensure the continuation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments during the ongoing government shutdown.
The rulings direct the administration to use available emergency resources to prevent disruptions in aid to millions of Americans who rely on the program for food assistance.
According to court documents, the decisions were issued in response to concerns that the shutdown could delay or suspend payments to SNAP beneficiaries. The judges emphasized the need for uninterrupted support to households dependent on the federal program.
Officials said the orders require the administration to deploy contingency funds designated for emergency situations to maintain the program’s operations. The measures aim to prevent potential hardships among low-income families and individuals if SNAP benefits were interrupted.
SNAP provides food assistance to millions of Americans facing financial challenges. The program’s continuity is considered essential to protecting food security, particularly during government funding lapses.
