Summary
Families in California have started receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits again after the federal government, ordered by a court, reinstated full payments. The benefits had been paused during the government shutdown, impacting around 42 million Americans who use them to help pay for food.
Key Facts
- SNAP benefits are financial assistance used to buy food through an EBT card.
- A court ordered the federal government to fully fund SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
- Around 42 million Americans depend on SNAP benefits for food each month.
- California and 22 other states sued the federal government to restore SNAP payments after a pause.
- Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that SNAP benefits are once again available to California recipients.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would make necessary funds available for SNAP.
- The shutdown led to concerns about delayed SNAP benefits impacting families and retailers.
