USDA Declines Emergency Funds for SNAP Amid Government Shutdown, Threatening Benefits for 42 Million

As the government shutdown continues, the Trump administration has decided not to utilize the approximately $5-6 billion emergency contingency funds to sustain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits into November, potentially leaving around 42 million Americans without critical food aid. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated these funds are legally reserved for disaster-related emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods, and cannot be used for regular monthly SNAP payments, which are projected to run out due to the lack of appropriations for fiscal year 2026. The USDA also rejected proposals to transfer funds from other nutrition programs or reimburse states that might cover benefits temporarily, citing legal and operational constraints and concerns about jeopardizing programs like school meals and infant formula. Democrats have criticized the administration's decision, accusing it of "weaponizing hunger" and calling it a dereliction of duty, while the administration blames Congressional Democrats for blocking government funding. Some states have indicated plans to use their own funds to maintain benefits during the shutdown, but the USDA has noted there is no legal provision for states to be reimbursed. The impasse has intensified pressure on Congress to resolve the shutdown and pass a spending package, with Democratic lawmakers demanding extensions of other subsidies as part of any agreement.