Two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must tap into billions of dollars in emergency funds to at least partially cover food stamp benefits in November. Millions of Americans could still face delays to their benefits, which were scheduled to be distributed Saturday but were disrupted by the government shutdown.
Nearly 42 million people — or about 1 in 8 Americans — received food stamps in May, according to the latest USDA data.
About 3 million people were set to receive their food stamps on November 1, according to estimates from Code for America, which works with governments of all levels to improve access to food assistance and other safety net programs. That figure grows to about 13.7 million by November 5 and 26.6 million by November 10. The remaining enrollees are scheduled to receive their November benefits after that.
Overall, 12% of the US population relies on SNAP for food assistance. SNAP participation ranges widely across the United States, with the highest shares in New Mexico, Louisiana and the District of Columbia.
Households with children, an elderly individual or a non-elderly person with a disability received 83% of SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2023, according to the USDA.
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