Rhode Island federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for November

A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for November.

U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued the ruling Thursday in response to a lawsuit filed by cities and nonprofit groups challenging the administration’s plan to cover only 65% of the maximum benefit. The government said it planned to rely on $4.65 billion in emergency funding to make partial payments.

“Without SNAP funding for the month of November, 16 million children are immediately at risk of going hungry,” McConnell said. “This should never happen in America.”

The Trump administration announced last month that no benefits would be paid in November because of the ongoing federal government shutdown. Following multiple court challenges, two judges ordered the government to distribute at least partial payments using emergency funds. The administration first committed to covering 50%, then later increased that amount to 65%.

The announcement that benefits would be halted triggered widespread concern among state governments, food banks, and the 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP assistance.

The program, which supports roughly one in eight Americans, is a key part of the country’s social safety net and costs more than $8 billion each month nationwide.

Late last month, Governor Dan McKee announced that he planned to declare a state of emergency to help residents who rely on federal food assistance, as Rhode Island prepared for a potential halt in SNAP benefits.

During the ongoing government shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been disrupted, leaving millions of Americans uncertain about their next benefit payment. The shutdown has halted the regular flow of federal funds used to provide monthly food assistance to more than 42 million people nationwide. Without congressional approval or emergency measures, states are unable to issue full benefits, forcing food banks and local aid organizations to prepare for increased demand. The lapse in funding highlights the program’s dependence on federal operations and the serious impact a prolonged shutdown can have on families who rely on SNAP to afford basic groceries.

Fully fund SNAP.