Federal Food Aid Halted Amid Shutdown, Millions Face Benefit Loss
Millions of Americans, including 1.9 million in Illinois, face federal SNAP food benefit loss starting November 1st due to a government shutdown, prompting lawsuits against the Trump administration.
The Deadline for a Major Shutdown Casualty
The Atlantic
Blue states sue USDA for not using emergency funds amid SNAP lapse
Washington Examiner
NY AG Letitia James sues Trump administration over SNAP suspension
New York Daily News
Overview
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed federal SNAP food assistance will cease distribution after the end of the month, impacting 42 million Americans due to the ongoing government shutdown.
- Illinois, which administers $350 million in federal food aid monthly to 1.9 million people, faces significant disruption to benefits before the holidays, requiring $9.2 billion for November.
- Despite a $6 billion USDA contingency fund for emergencies, the agency will not utilize it to cover SNAP benefits without specific congressional approval, leaving states to manage the shortfall.
- Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the Trump administration, including by a coalition of states and one involving Illinois recipients, challenging the unlawful suspension of SNAP benefits.
- States like California are taking emergency measures, while Democrats criticize Republicans for refusing to fund SNAP, arguing it disproportionately harms their own voters.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of the government shutdown's impact on SNAP benefits and the responses from various states and the Trump administration. They avoid loaded language and present different perspectives, including the USDA's rationale and the Democratic attorneys general's lawsuit, without editorializing. The coverage emphasizes the practical implications for recipients and state-level efforts to mitigate the impact.
"This is a crisis, there’s no doubt about it."
Chicago Tribune"The fact that they’re hurting their own voters out of sheer stubbornness is despicable."
USA TODAY"State governments are trying to find ways to fill the void left by the suspension of SNAP benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food."
NBC News"Shutting off SNAP benefits will cause deterioration of public health and well-being."
BBC News"At a time of increased costs for families, the Trump administration is making a deliberate, illegal and cruel decision to cut off access to food for nearly 2 million Illinoisans."
Chicago Sun-TimesArticles (10)
Center (5)
FAQ
The government shutdown will halt SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025, affecting over 42 million Americans. This is because the USDA has stated that it will not use contingency funds without congressional approval.
The USDA requires specific congressional approval to use its contingency funds for SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Without this approval, it cannot tap into these funds.
States are taking emergency measures to manage the shortfall. Some are urging donations, while others are considering using their own funds to support affected programs. Lawsuits have also been filed against the Trump administration.
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