Federal judges rule Trump must fund SNAP benefits through the shutdown

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks to reporters during a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 22, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

By Staff Reports

November 3, 2025

Two federal judges have ruled that President Trump must fund SNAP benefits through the shutdown, but these important food benefits have already been disrupted.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps feed 1.4 million North Carolinians, was set to run out of money on Nov. 1.

However, US Judge John J. McConnell said Friday that the Trump administration “must distribute” SNAP benefits through the reserve funds as soon as possible. It’s unclear, however, how the ruling will immediately affect benefits.

[UPDATE: US Judge Indira Talwani, the judge in the second lawsuit filed over the threat to SNAP funding, also ruled that the Trump administration was “required” to use the reserve funds to ensure payments were made during the shutdown.]

Data shows that more than 560,000 children receive SNAP benefits in North Carolina, and more than 80% of SNAP families nationwide include a child, senior, or adult with a disability.

The state’s food banks say North Carolina is already facing the worst hunger crisis in decades and that donations will not be able to fill the gap missed SNAP benefits will leave behind.

For more North Carolina news, sign up for Cardinal & Pine’s paywall-free, award-winning newsletter.