Summary
More than 40 million Americans are waiting to see when their SNAP food assistance benefits will resume. Two federal judges have ruled that the money should be restored, but the exact timing remains unclear due to the federal government shutdown. The Trump administration faces a Monday deadline to explain how it will restore SNAP funding.
Key Facts
- Over 40 million Americans rely on SNAP for food assistance.
- The program was paused on November 1 due to a government shutdown.
- Two judges ruled that the pause is likely unlawful and funds must be restored.
- The Trump administration has to submit a plan by Monday on how it plans to resume funding.
- SNAP typically costs about $9 billion per month, but only $5 billion in emergency funds is available.
- The delay in benefits affects 1 in 8 U.S. residents.
- Nearly 39% of SNAP recipients are children or adolescents.
- Some states plan to cover funding shortfalls but may not be reimbursed.
