Supreme Court Halts SNAP Payments, Leaving Millions in Limbo

WESTFORD, Mass. — The U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency order late Friday, allowing the Trump administration to temporarily block a Rhode Island judge’s mandate for full funding of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid a prolonged government shutdown. The court’s decision halts about $4 billion in food aid funding for millions of Americans who rely on these benefits.

The ruling came after the Trump administration contested the lower court’s order, which had instructed them to fully restore SNAP payments by Friday. Previously, the administration had agreed to provide partial funding of approximately $5 billion from a contingency fund.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s order gave the lower court additional time to consider the administration’s appeal against the partial funding. This decision leaves countless Americans in uncertainty as they await food aid that has been disrupted for the first time in the program’s 60-year history.

“The Trump Administration’s decision to fight SNAP benefits furthers an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center. “This delay sends a troubling message: they are not interested in addressing the urgent needs of struggling Americans.”

SNAP primarily assists low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, who now face rising anxiety as they wait for legal resolutions regarding their benefits. Many are turning to food banks as support dwindles.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell had previously ordered the administration to use emergency funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain SNAP payments. During a recent virtual court hearing, McConnell expressed concern about the impending hunger among those who depend on the program, stating, “The evidence shows that people will go hungry.”

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Massachusetts residents experienced some relief as full SNAP payments were issued earlier Saturday to those who had missed them. A spokesperson for Gov. Maura Healey confirmed that funds should now be available on cards ready for use.

“President Trump needs to stop trying to force Americans to go hungry and pay full SNAP benefits for everyone,” Healey’s office stated. Meanwhile, food service providers like Soul Kitchen in Westford and Leominster stepped in to feed those in need, giving away hundreds of meals each day.

State Rep. Kip Diggs criticized the administration’s stance on SNAP funding, emphasizing the importance of food assistance and urging swift action from the Supreme Court.

Amid ongoing discussions, experts reflect on the critical role SNAP plays in maintaining food security across the nation. Craig Gundersen, an economist, characterized SNAP as a successful government program that helps low-income individuals with dignity and autonomy.

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have significant implications as the legal battles over SNAP funding continue, leaving many Americans anxious about their food security while the government shutdown persists.