RALEIGH, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds to resume Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, delivering partial relief to millions of Americans affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
The rulings, issued late last week in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to tap $4.65 billion in emergency funds to cover roughly half of the federal SNAP program for November. The ruling came after a coalition of officials from half of the states, including North Carolina, sued the Trump administration
Background on the Lawsuit
North Carolina’s lawsuit, filed Oct. 29 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, accused the USDA and the Office of Management and Budget of unlawfully withholding more than $230 million in food assistance for 1.4 million North Carolinians. The complaint alleged that the agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the SNAP Act by refusing to use emergency funds during the shutdown.
“Nearly 600,000 children in our state could be without food in a few days because USDA is playing an illegal game of shutdown politics,” Jackson said at the time of the filing. “They have emergency money to help feed children during this shutdown, and they’re refusing to spend it.”
The court’s decision now compels USDA to deploy its emergency reserves to keep the program running—albeit at a reduced level—while the shutdown continues.
Partial Benefits Authorized
On Tuesday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed that it has received federal guidance to issue partial November SNAP benefits. The agency said benefits will be distributed at about 50% of the normal maximum allotment, with payments expected to appear on EBT cards by the middle of next week.
“SNAP is more than a benefit – it is a lifeline,” said N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “While we are encouraged by the decision to require the use of emergency funds, the fact that families will receive only partial benefits is troubling. Food is foundational to health, dignity, and opportunity. We must ensure programs like SNAP are protected from further disruption.”
Governor Josh Stein praised the ruling but urged federal leaders to restore full funding. “Families around our state are waiting to see if they’re going to be able to afford groceries,” he said. “Half measures from our federal government aren’t enough. It’s past time to give North Carolinians their peace of mind back.”
Local and Statewide Impact
According to NCDHHS data from April, SNAP serves more than 622,000 households statewide. The average recipient receives about $175 per month in grocery assistance.
NCDHHS urged beneficiaries to continue checking their EBT balances through the ebtEDGE app, ebtEDGE.com, or by calling 1-888-622-7328. The agency also encouraged residents to apply for benefits or renew paperwork on time, as county DSS offices remain open.
Food banks across the state say they are bracing for increased demand despite the court’s decision. “Even if the shutdown ends tomorrow, its effects will ripple for weeks,” said Eric Aft, CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. “Food banks are a powerful community asset, but we are not a replacement for functional public policy.”
Resources for Families
North Carolinians in need of food assistance can find help through:
- Feeding America – Find a food pantry near you
- NC 2-1-1 (United Way) – Call 2-1-1 for local food and social service resources
- County Social Services Departments – Apply for or check status of food aid
- NCDHHS Food Access Maps – Explore options
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina – Food finder tool
North Carolinians are also encouraged to donate to local pantries and community organizations to help families affected by the delay.
###
