BREAKING: Two Judges Order SNAP Money to Continue as Alabama Braces

Two federal judges on Friday ordered the federal government to tap contingency funds to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) running as Congress and the White House remain deadlocked. The rulings give temporary cover to millions nationwide—but in Alabama, the relief has fallen mostly to city halls, food banks and churches.

The core dispute centers on whether contingency funds—about $5 billion set aside—can legally be tapped to keep SNAP alive. The administration argued it cannot. Meanwhile, 25 States and the District of Columbia challenged that stance in court, insisting the administration is obligated to use those reserves. They also pointed to a second federal fund of roughly $23 billion as a possible source.

In Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell ordered use of the contingency funds and demanded a status report by Monday.

A Boston, Massachusetts judge, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, expressed doubt that SNAP could be simply cut off. She suggested federal law offers a path to reduce benefits equitably rather than ending assistance entirely. “If you don’t have money, you tighten your belt. You are not going to make everyone drop dead because it’s a political game someplace,” she said, as reported by WSFA.

Talwani also indicated her rulings could have nationwide scope—not limited to the 25 states involved in the lawsuit.

Still, uncertainty remains over how fast beneficiaries’ EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards can be reloaded. That process often takes one to two weeks.

In Alabama, the stakes are high. Alabama will not issue SNAP benefits on November 1 under current federal rules. As many as 750,000 Alabamians rely on SNAP assistance to fill grocery needs.

“As Alabama DHR noted, SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded, and therefore, U.S. Food and Nutrition Services controls the issuance of these benefits on EBT cards,” said Gina Maiola, Communications Director for Governor Ivey. “While the State does not have extra money to do Congress’ job, Governor Ivey hopes to see U.S. Senate Democrats get on board to reopen the federal government.”

Alabama’s limits are plain: the State cannot issue SNAP benefits on its own. The Alabama Department of Human Resources said that SNAP “is 100% federally funded; therefore USDA (FNS) controls the issuance of these benefits on EBT cards.” DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner added that the agency “knows SNAP benefits are vitally important to the more than 750,000 Alabamians who depend on the more than $140 million in support each month.” Additionally, there are concerns that the shortfall could ripple through grocery stores and small shops that depend on SNAP dollars.

Local leaders are already acting to address the SNAP shutdown.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin asked the City Council to commit $1 million to emergency food aid and announced a citywide drive to help roughly 23,000 residents who face lost SNAP support. “We have a moral obligation to take care of the residents within our city,” Woodfin said. The drive will include staged food distributions and lists of drop-off points for donated goods, according to WVTM.

Montgomery’s Mayor and staff moved to connect residents with food banks and social services. “We want to make sure residents know where to turn for help,” Mayor Steven Reed said in a city release outlining the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, Hands On River Region and other local partners. The city posted outreach contacts and a short how-to for families who suddenly need meals.

Republican U.S. Sen. Katie Britt backed bipartisan or GOP bills aimed at protecting SNAP during a shutdown and urged a quick fix in Washington. “Democrats could end this shutdown today,” Britt’s office said while backing measures to keep benefits flowing. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt released a statement warning that “working families should never be used as leverage in partisan battles.” Both urged Congress to act now to prevent gaps.

At the same time, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized Senate Democrats for blocking funding, saying contingency money won’t last. Legislators and mayors called on USDA to draw on available reserves while the courts sort the legal issues.

Local contingency plans:

— Birmingham: Mayor Woodfin’s $1 million request is meant to buy food, run large box distributions and jump-start community drives. The city set donation sites and will require ID and proof of SNAP status for certain giveaways aimed at those who lose benefits.

— Montgomery: The city published a resource post listing food banks and hotlines and pledged to amplify outreach to vulnerable neighborhoods. Mayor Reed’s office is coordinating with the Heart of Alabama Food Bank and volunteer groups.

— Other local action: Churches, pantries and county agencies across the state are scheduling extra distributions. Small community programs—from Jasper diners offering free meals for kids to parish pantries—are already expanding hours and stockpiles. Expect more drives this week.

If you or someone you know suddenly needs help, local officials suggest these first steps:

1. Check the Alabama DHR website for official updates on benefit suspensions and recertification rules.
2. Contact your city’s social services office or mayor’s office page for local food-drive dates and drop-off locations. (Birmingham and Montgomery both posted resource pages.)
3. Call or text national locator services such as WhyHunger (1-800-548-6479) to find nearby pantries and meal sites.

SNAP dollars move fast in local economies. When benefits hit EBT cards, grocery stores feel the boost. When benefits stop, low-income families feel the pain first. For many small towns and for families on tight budgets, even a two-week gap can force impossible tradeoffs. In the interim, local leaders and organizations are stepping up to care for their constituents and neighbors.