USDA to Fund November Food Stamps at Reduced Levels, Utilizing Billions in Contingency Funds

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the Trump administration, announced on November 3 that it would fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, for the month of November at reduced levels. This decision comes as the agency plans to utilize billions of dollars in contingency funds, with no additional money being allocated for the program. The move highlights ongoing fiscal challenges and legislative stalemates impacting critical social welfare programs.

According to Trump administration lawyers in a court filing, the USDA will draw upon its contingency reserves to cover the November benefits. The administration emphasized that this funding strategy would not involve any new or additional money beyond the existing contingency pool. This approach underscores a commitment to managing existing resources while adhering to budgetary constraints.

Further details from the USDA revealed that states have been directed to calculate potential reductions for food stamp recipients. Patrick Penn, a USDA official, stated this directive in a separate document, indicating the need for state-level adjustments to accommodate the funding parameters. This places the onus on state agencies to manage the implications for beneficiaries.

This funding situation aligns with past instances during the Trump administration where the expiration of the farm bill, which authorizes SNAP and other agricultural programs, led to concerns over benefit continuity. In late October 2018, the USDA announced it would tap into a nearly $6 billion reserve to ensure SNAP benefits were paid on time through November, averting a more severe funding crisis. The action was taken to bridge the gap until Congress could pass a new farm bill.

The reliance on contingency funds and the directive for states to prepare for reductions underscore the precarious nature of federal funding for essential programs. Such measures can have significant implications for millions of low-income Americans who depend on SNAP for food security, potentially impacting household budgets and local economies. The broader context of legislative delays often forces agencies to implement stop-gap measures with varying effects on beneficiaries.