Federal Government Drops Appeal in SNAP Funding Case

The U.S. government has withdrawn its appeal against a ruling that mandates full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the recent federal shutdown. The decision was confirmed by Boston’s First Circuit Court of Appeals, which dismissed the appeal on November 3, 2023. This action follows a November 6, 2023 order from Chief Judge John J. McConnell of Rhode Island, directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure uninterrupted SNAP funding.

The Trump administration initiated the appeal but subsequently opted to drop it, as noted in a two-page judgment from the court. A spokesperson for the USDA declined to comment further, referring inquiries to the U.S. Department of Justice, which has not yet responded.

The federal government shutdown lasted for 43 days and officially ended on November 12, 2023. Prior to the shutdown’s conclusion, the USDA had assured that federal food benefits would resume within 24 hours of the government reopening. Following the end of the shutdown, the administration retracted its request for the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and halt Judge McConnell’s order that mandated full food stamp payments.

Despite the dismissal of the appeal, the broader lawsuit against the Trump administration remains active. This case pertains to the administration’s efforts to revoke waivers regarding work requirements for existing SNAP recipients, as stipulated under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Attorney Kevin Love Hubbard, representing the plaintiffs, confirmed that the lawsuit is not moot and that it continues to challenge the administration’s position.

Judge McConnell issued a temporary restraining order on October 31, 2023, requiring that all previous work requirement waivers remain valid despite their initial termination. These waivers had allowed municipalities to demonstrate to the USDA that certain areas had limited job opportunities, thus exempting residents from mandatory work requirements necessary for food assistance. The cities of Providence, Central Falls, and Pawtucket each received waivers in March 2025, valid through February 28, 2026.

“We are in a position where the existing temporary restraining order remains in effect as the federal government determines its course of action,” Hubbard stated. He emphasized that the ongoing litigation will reveal whether the government will pursue further legal action in an attempt to convince Judge McConnell to deny additional permanent relief.

During the shutdown, the Trump administration opted not to utilize contingency funds to sustain SNAP benefits. Subsequently, after a coalition of communities and nonprofit organizations filed a lawsuit in Rhode Island, Judge McConnell presented the government with two options. They could either utilize a $5.5 billion contingency fund to cover partial benefits or finance a full month of payments through other revenue sources, including the Child Nutrition Program. Initially, the USDA selected the latter option, but McConnell later clarified that the program must be fully funded, prompting the administration to appeal.

The legislation that ultimately reopened the federal government also ensures full funding for SNAP and children’s nutrition programs, including subsidized school breakfast and lunch initiatives, and the availability of food during summer school breaks.

The lawsuit includes a diverse group of plaintiffs, representing not only the three Rhode Island cities but also national organizations and municipalities such as Baltimore, Columbus (Ohio), Durham (North Carolina), New Haven (Connecticut), and Albuquerque (New Mexico). Local organizations like the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport, the East Bay Community Action Program, the United Way of Rhode Island, the Federal Hill House Association, and Amos House are also involved as plaintiffs.

This case reflects ongoing tensions surrounding SNAP funding and work requirements, which continue to impact many communities across the United States.