Federal Judge Orders Trump Admin to Fund SNAP Benefits for November

In a surprising turn of events, Michigan residents who rely on food aid began receiving their benefits again, as the federal government confirmed full funding for November’s SNAP benefits. This development comes amidst an ongoing legal battle where the Trump administration has been attempting to withhold these funds during the federal shutdown.

Despite the administration’s claims of insufficient funds to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the shutdown, a federal judge’s decision on Thursday mandated the continuation of the program. The judge’s order compels the administration to ensure the distribution of these essential benefits.

SNAP, the largest anti-hunger initiative in the U.S., supports approximately 42 million low-income Americans, with 1.4 million beneficiaries in Michigan alone. These benefits were halted on November 1, leading to widespread concern among recipients.

On Friday, the federal Food and Nutrition Service communicated its intention to distribute the necessary funds to the states, despite the administration’s efforts to secure an emergency stay against the court order. This was outlined in a memo to regional SNAP directors.

Representative Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, criticized the conflicting signals from the Trump administration, stating, “Literally, some states have now or are in the process of fully funding SNAP benefits in November, while plenty of other states have not.” She highlighted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Michigan has taken prompt action to ensure that its residents receive their full SNAP benefits for November. By Friday morning, some beneficiaries, including Dana Tuller from Interlochen, saw their benefits restored. Tuller, who is juggling three jobs due to her husband’s medical issues, expressed a mix of relief and fear over potential future disruptions.

As SNAP recipients rush to grocery stores, fearing that benefits might be revoked if the administration succeeds in its appeal, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services assured that funds would be distributed within 48 hours of receipt from the federal government. Nevertheless, this assurance is contingent upon the outcome of the administration’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

According to the department, “All other SNAP recipients will receive their full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date,” unless a successful appeal alters this arrangement.

Reporting contributions by Michigan Public’s Sneha Dhandapani, Michelle Jokisch Polo, and April Van Buren.