Federal Food Aid Faces Suspension for 42 Million Amid U.S. Shutdown

During the ongoing government shutdown under President Trump, the administration has selectively funded certain priorities such as military personnel, FBI agents, and federal lands, but faced legal challenges regarding food aid distribution. Federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using contingency funds, as the program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is critical to the social safety net. Despite these rulings, the USDA announced no federal food aid would be distributed on November 1 due to depleted funds, raising concerns about potential suspension of benefits for millions. States and food banks are warning of severe shortages and advising SNAP recipients to ration food, while the charitable food network struggles to meet demand. The political stalemate in Congress complicates efforts to resolve the funding crisis, leaving millions at risk of losing essential nutritional support during the shutdown.