Courts Order SNAP Funding as States Fill Gap

A federal government shutdown has put November SNAP benefits — affecting roughly 42 million Americans — at risk, prompting states, localities and charities to scramble to fill the gap. Judges in multiple lawsuits have ordered the administration to restore funding; a Rhode Island judge has already ordered benefits distributed, and a Massachusetts court found plaintiffs likely to succeed and ordered the USDA to report on contingency funds, but millions still face uncertain delays in when — or if — payments will arrive. States and local governments and food banks are mounting emergency responses, from county weekly injections and proposed weekly disbursements to mass distribution sites such as a Houston “supersite” serving about 5,000 families. Advocates warn of a sharp surge in need, say contingency funds could help but would take weeks to process, and are urging immediate donations (including baby formula and toiletries) and volunteer support.