Summary
Nearly five million Americans might not get their food assistance benefits in November due to changes by the Agriculture Department. These changes come amid a U.S. government shutdown, and despite court orders to continue benefits, the Trump administration has announced new rules that could cut benefits by about 61% for some recipients.
Key Facts
- Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, a program that provides grocery funds to low-income people.
- President Donald Trump had suggested not paying SNAP benefits during the shutdown but later agreed to follow court orders.
- New rules require states to recalculate SNAP benefits, potentially reducing them significantly.
- SNAP helps low-income families, children, and seniors buy groceries using an electronic card.
- The Trump administration decided not to use federal contingency funds initially but later agreed to fund SNAP partially during the shutdown.
- Experts say even partial SNAP benefits provide economic support to local communities.
