(LOOTPRESS) – The Trump administration told states on Friday that it will begin issuing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, even as it continues to appeal a federal court order requiring the payments.
U.S. District Judge John McConnell ordered the administration on Thursday to ensure full SNAP benefits are delivered by Friday.
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The judge criticized the delays, saying they likely caused some recipients to go hungry during the ongoing government shutdown.
On Friday morning, the administration requested an emergency stay of the ruling from a federal appeals court, arguing that limited funding during the shutdown only allowed for partial November benefits.
Earlier this week, officials said contingency funds could cover about 65% of normal benefits, but not the full amount.
Despite the appeal, a memo sent to states by Patrick Penn, Deputy Undersecretary of the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture would “complete the processes necessary” to fully issue benefits for now.
The memo indicated funds could become available later in the day.
Nearly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, commonly known as food stamps. This is the first time in the program’s 61-year history that benefits have been disrupted due to a government shutdown.
The administration has argued that fully funding SNAP using additional reserves would reduce funding available for child nutrition programs, including school lunches.
