Big news, John: A federal judge just blocked Trump’s attempt to cut off SNAP benefits today. But we need to be clear — this does not guarantee anyone will actually receive their benefits, and millions are still waiting to find out if they’ll be able to buy groceries next week.
The ruling says the government can use emergency funds to keep SNAP going — but it doesn’t require them to actually send out payments today. And we know this administration openly defies court orders — we cannot trust they’ll follow this one.
Even if they do, the emergency reserve is only $5 billion — a fraction of what’s needed to fully fund SNAP. That means 42 million people — including 16 million children — could still be at risk of going hungry in the coming weeks.
Plus, this ruling only applies to SNAP — not WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or other food assistance programs families rely on. So while this may offer a bit of breathing room, it doesn't guarantee safety. We haven’t won yet, and we can’t let our guard down now. We must keep fighting for full SNAP funding and support our neighbors facing food insecurity in the meantime.
This was completely avoidable, John. Trump and MAGA Republicans chose this outcome after blocking a Democratic bill to continue SNAP funding during the Government shutdown.
Some Republicans claim SNAP recipients are “freeloading.” That’s rich, considering the GOP is refusing to open the government and the House has only worked 20 days in four months while still getting six figures in tax payer money annually and health insurance.
And if they were even a little bit in touch with reality, they would know that the average SNAP recipient gets $187 a month — barely enough to cover basics. SNAP is not a luxury. It’s literally keeping people alive.
This is exactly why Leaders We Deserve exists: to elect leaders who come from real communities and understand what it’s like to rely on programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Leaders who have the lived experience to know what it’s like to live the struggles most Members of Congress can’t even begin to comprehend.
We may not know what comes next — but we can help our neighbors survive this horrific failure of leadership by Republicans.
Here’s how you can step up to help your community right now — or find support if you’re impacted by the shutdown and SNAP cuts:
Our leaders are failing us. It’s on us to support our neighbors and make sure no one goes hungry.
In solidarity,
Leaders We Deserve
