6 Questions People Ask on USDA Ordering States to Cut SNAP

1. Why did the USDA order states to stop full SNAP payments?
The USDA issued a memo instructing states to undo any steps taken to distribute full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025. The department warned that states not complying could lose federal funding. This action comes amid the Trump administration’s refusal to fully fund SNAP during the ongoing government shutdown. It reflects a direct conflict between federal authority and state efforts to provide food aid.

2. Who is affected by this SNAP decision?
About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for food, including low-income families, children, and seniors. The order directly reduces access to full food benefits, potentially leaving many households with insufficient resources to cover basic groceries. States that had already started issuing full payments must now reverse course, creating immediate uncertainty for residents depending on the program.

3. What role did the courts play in SNAP funding?
After lawsuits from Democrats and nonprofits, a court ordered the USDA to pay at least partial SNAP benefits. Later, the court required full benefits for November to prevent hunger among vulnerable Americans. The Justice Department appealed the ruling, and the Supreme Court issued an emergency order temporarily blocking full payments while the appeal is reviewed. This legal tug-of-war is central to why the USDA is issuing its current instructions to states.

4. How does this affect food access for families right now?
Millions of families may receive less food aid this month, increasing the risk of food insecurity. Children, seniors, and low-income households face delays or reductions in essential nutrition support. The interruption comes during a federal shutdown, when other social services and safety nets may also be limited, compounding hardship for struggling communities.

5. Why are lawmakers and advocacy groups criticizing the USDA order?
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have called the decision “cruel” and “incomprehensible.” Senators like Patty Murray and Amy Klobuchar condemned the move as harmful to vulnerable Americans. House Agriculture Democrats argued that the administration’s action contradicts American values by prioritizing political goals over feeding children and seniors.

6. What could happen if states don’t follow the USDA order?
States that ignore the USDA memo risk losing federal funding tied to SNAP programs. This creates a difficult choice: comply with the federal directive and limit benefits, or risk financial penalties while trying to meet residents’ needs. Most states are following the order, which means immediate reductions in food aid for those who rely on SNAP.