Judges could rule on the fate of SNAP food aid as deadline nears for shutdown to end payments
October 31, 2025
Two federal judges could rule on whether the federal government must continue replenishing SNAP food aid benefits during the shutdown. The Trump administration says debit cards will not be loaded for November, a decision that impacts the ability to buy groceries for about 1 in 8 Americans. Lawyers representing Democratic state officials from across the country made their case in court Thursday to continue the benefits. A hearing on a similar challenge from a coalition of cities and nonprofit groups is scheduled for Friday. Even if benefits are ordered to continue, they’ll likely be delayed for many beneficiaries.