by Washington, D.C. — Millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits could soon see relief as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments may resume as early as Wednesday. The update came during his appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, where he addressed growing concerns about food insecurity amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Treasury Secretary Offers Hope for Millions
Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Bessent said the administration is working through a process to allocate contingency funds for SNAP payouts that have been frozen since the shutdown began.
“There’s a process that has to be followed,” Bessent explained, adding that the Treasury Department must determine how to properly distribute funds while complying with federal spending laws.
His comments come just days after two federal judges ruled that the administration must use contingency funds to ensure SNAP benefits continue during the shutdown.
Court Rulings Force Government to Act
On Friday, two separate federal judges issued rulings directing the government to resume payments.
In Rhode Island, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ruled that the administration must release emergency funds immediately, stating, “There is no question that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be used now because of the shutdown.”
Another ruling echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to continue supporting low-income households through SNAP, even as budget disputes stall broader funding efforts.
Why This Matters
The government shutdown, which began on October 1, has left federal employees unpaid and key services suspended, with SNAP—the nation’s largest food assistance program—at the center of growing concern.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had previously warned that benefits would not be paid until the government reopened, sparking outrage from advocates and leading to lawsuits from Democratic-led states demanding the use of contingency funds.
The SNAP program provides monthly food assistance to about 42 million Americans, with nearly 75% of recipients living at or below the poverty line. For many families, the temporary loss of benefits has meant empty fridges and food insecurity, pushing local organizations and volunteers to step in.
States and Communities Step Up
In response to the delay, local food banks and community organizations have been mobilizing resources to help those affected. Across the country, volunteers are stocking food shelves and launching neighborhood pantries to support residents struggling without SNAP payments.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency and directed over $100 million toward emergency food supplies to help families impacted by the shutdown.
Similar efforts have been reported in states like California, Illinois, and Michigan, where food banks have seen a sharp rise in demand over the past week.
What Comes Next
The Treasury Department and USDA are now finalizing the steps to restart SNAP payments, with a possible payout date by Wednesday. However, Bessent noted that the process is complex and may require additional coordination between agencies before funds are disbursed.
The White House has not yet released an official statement, but Newsweek has reached out to the Treasury Department for comment regarding the timeline and funding logistics.
How do you feel about the SNAP payment delays and the government’s handling of the shutdown crisis? Do you think emergency funds should always be available for programs that feed millions of Americans?
Share your opinions in the comments below.
