Brooklyn, New York — A legal battle has erupted over food assistance as the Trump administration seeks a temporary reprieve from a court order mandating that millions of Americans receive full SNAP benefits for November. On Friday, the administration turned to the 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, asking for an emergency halt to a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Jack McConnell.

The administration is aiming to allocate 65% of the monthly food stamp benefits from a contingency fund instead of providing full funding as required by McConnell’s order. This plea came shortly after the judge dismissed the administration’s proposal for partial payments.

In a noteworthy decision, McConnell directed the administration to utilize Section 32 funds, a pot of financing historically tapped for emergency assistance, alongside the previously approved $4.65 billion from Congress. The government initially resisted this suggestion, claiming that there were no appropriated funds to support SNAP in November due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The situation stems from a standoff in Congress related to temporary funding for federal programs, which has left the SNAP program in jeopardy. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has prompted previous administrations to maintain food assistance distributions, a precedent that many food security advocates argue should be honored now.

A coalition of cities, charities, unions, and business groups has filed a lawsuit against the administration, pressing for the restoration of full SNAP benefits. McConnell, responding to these concerns, emphasized the immediate need for action, stating, “People have gone without for too long.” At a recent hearing, he highlighted the potential consequences of inadequate funding, noting that hunger would increase and food pantries would be overwhelmed.

The appeals court is currently awaiting response from the plaintiffs to the administration’s motion, which must be submitted by noon Eastern Time on Friday. As pressure mounts, the future of SNAP benefits for November hangs in the balance, raising concerns among low-income families that depend on this critical source of assistance.

As the dispute continues, advocates stress that robust and timely support is essential to prevent unnecessary hardship across the nation. If the administration’s request is not granted, millions may face a significant loss of food aid during a pivotal month as the holidays approach.