Reporters from the NPR Network are covering the uncertainty and lapse in benefits in states across the country.

Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to provide at least partial food stamp benefits to tens of millions of Americans in November, as the federal government shutdown drags on.

The Trump administration said it will fund the food assistance program in part this month. The threat of a lapse has incited chaos in Washington, on social media and at food banks nationwide.

Propel makes a free app for people on food stamps. Now it's giving some of them $50 each, as some private companies, nonprofits, and individuals scramble to help.

While the USDA’s notice focuses on maintaining equal treatment among shoppers, state-level changes to SNAP are also on the horizon. Texas and several other states are preparing to restrict purchases of certain “junk food” and soft drinks with SNAP benefits beginning in 2026.

Nearly 3 million low-income New Yorkers will get partial SNAP food aid for November after judges forced the Trump administration to fund the program.

Two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must at least partially cover food stamp benefits in November. Millions of Americans could still face delays to their benefits, which were scheduled to be distributed tomorrow but disrupted by the government shutdown.

The USDA told grocery stores not to give SNAP recipients special discounts as benefits remain unpaid amid the government shutdown.