Trump's plan to roll out SNAP benefits could take months

The Trump administration plans to partially fund SNAP benefits after two judges ruled funds must be released. Millions of Americans did not receive their SNAP benefits on the first of the month. The USDA will comply with the court order and spend the full SNAP contingency funds. States may take weeks or months to implement changes required to distribute reduced benefits. Distribution processes vary by state, with some states using outdated systems. The administration will not use Child Nutrition funds to avoid impacting 29 million students. November SNAP benefits will be funded by the remaining $4.65 billion in contingency funds, covering 50% of current allotments for eligible households. Courts ruled the administration's rationale for halting benefits was insufficient. Judges demanded a progress report on efforts to issue November benefits. Legal battles focus on the administration's stance on using contingency funds during shutdowns.