A federal judge has issued a ruling preventing the Trump administration from suspending food aid for over 40 million low-income Americans amid the ongoing government shutdown in the United States. On Friday, a judge in Rhode Island determined that the administration’s plan to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was likely unlawful and granted a restraining order based on the plaintiffs’ request.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced earlier this week that the distribution of food assistance funds would cease in November due to the shutdown, stating that financial resources have become depleted. SNAP operates by providing recipients with reloadable debit cards that can be used to purchase essential grocery items.
On average, a family of four receives approximately $715 per month through SNAP, which translates to just under $6 per day for each person in the household. While states manage the program, a significant portion of its funding originates from the federal government, which has been inactive since early October due to the government shutdown. Some states have indicated that they will utilize their own funds to address potential shortfalls; however, the federal government has cautioned that these states would not be eligible for reimbursement.
The ongoing government shutdown, which is approaching its second month, has seen both Republicans and Democrats exchanging blame for the impasse, with no substantial progress reported toward reaching a resolution. The situation raises questions about the long-term impact on food assistance and the livelihood of millions of Americans who rely on these vital resources.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr433x9zqq4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss