Courts Order SNAP Payments; Food Banks Mobilize Aid

Two federal judges ordered the USDA to continue issuing SNAP benefits from contingency funds after the agency planned to freeze payments amid the federal shutdown, though it remains unclear how quickly EBT cards can be reloaded. The threat of a lapse has spurred food banks, pantries and nonprofits from Maryland and Michigan to Nevada, Pennsylvania and Tennessee to organize emergency distributions, drive-thru events and donation drives to try to fill gaps. States and local governments are stepping in with emergency funding and legal action — including Gov. Josh Shapiro releasing $5 million and joining a multi-state lawsuit to compel the USDA to tap emergency funds. Local officials and food-bank leaders warn that these stopgap efforts cannot replace a month’s worth of SNAP benefits for many families and that demand will far exceed supplies if the shutdown continues. Relief organizations are scrambling to coordinate distributions while awaiting federal compliance or further court action, and uncertainty remains over next steps from courts, the USDA and the administration.