Judges order SNAP funding to continue as shutdown threatens food assistance for many Illinois families

CHICAGO (WGN) — With food stamp benefits set to expire Saturday, two federal judges ruled almost simultaneously that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue funding SNAP, the nation’s largest food assistance program, during the government shutdown, using contingency dollars if necessary.

The rulings, issued in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, give the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November.

SNAP supports roughly one in eight Americans and costs about $8 billion per month, making it an important part of the nation’s social safety net.

Even with the court mandate in place, providers warn delays could still hit working families. The Salvation Army says it is already witnessing a rise in food insecurity as grocery prices climb.

“Our goal is to ensure every neighbor gets the help they need,” said Brian Duewel of the Salvation Army. “But it will likely take additional financial resources for us to do so.”

At Food for Greater Elgin, the largest pantry in Kane County, Executive Director Andres Diez says the organization sees the impact daily. He hopes the ruling will avert growing concerns.

“We help 150,000 people annually and 30% of them are children,” Diez said.

After arriving in Florida Friday, Trump blamed Democrats and the government shutdown for the lack of funds for SNAP.

“Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” he continued. “Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.”

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul sharply criticized the administration in response.

“Today’s order acknowledges, once again, that the rule of law and separation of powers still matter,” Raoul said. “Nearly 2 million Illinoisans rely on SNAP benefits to access healthy food for themselves and their families. The Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to cut off access to this vital program is nothing short of cruel and shortsighted, and I will continue to stand with other attorneys general to protect our residents from bearing the brunt of this administration’s illegal policies.” 

As of Friday afternoon, the USDA’s website had not been updated with next steps following the two rulings.

For more information on SNAP benefits and how the government shutdown affects them, click here.