WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it will issue roughly half of November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following a series of federal court orders directing the government to continue payments during the ongoing shutdown. The partial funding announcement ensures that some benefits will be distributed while legal and budgetary questions remain unresolved.
Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said last week that USDA does not have enough money to cover the full November SNAP obligations, with current resources only sufficient to fund about half of the program’s monthly cost. He emphasized that the agency is complying with the court orders using limited contingency funds while awaiting further guidance from Congress and the White House on long-term appropriations.
Officials said state agencies are being notified of the partial funding and that payment schedules may vary. SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans, typically costs over $8 billion per month to administer nationwide.
Farm-Level Takeaway: USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
December 22, 2025 02:54 PM
·
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
December 22, 2025 02:45 PM
·
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
December 22, 2025 01:38 PM
·
Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
December 22, 2025 01:31 PM
·
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
·
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News that we can only guess what Congress will do down the road. Still, the USDA recognizes its responsibility to spend resources efficiently and effectively.
December 22, 2025 12:40 PM
·
