After weeks of uncertainty and legal disputes, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday its commitment to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), ensuring food benefits for over 42 million Americans. This decision comes amidst the longest government shutdown in US history, now in its 38th day. The funding for Snap, commonly known as food stamps, had been a contentious issue, with a judge previously mandating the Trump administration to utilize contingency funds to support the program. However, these funds were insufficient to cover the program’s nearly $9 billion monthly cost. On Thursday, another judge ruled that the administration must fully fund Snap, leading to the USDA’s confirmation of full funding. Judge John McConnell accused the administration of withholding food aid for political reasons, highlighting the immediate risk of hunger for 16 million children without the program. Despite the administration’s legal challenge to this ruling, the USDA’s agreement to pay full Snap benefits suggests a resolution to this critical issue. President Trump has repeatedly linked Snap funding to the end of the government shutdown, emphasizing its use in Democrat states. Snap, which costs approximately $8 billion per month, provides reloadable debit cards to low-income Americans, enabling them to purchase groceries. On average, a family of four receives $715 per month, equating to less than $6 per day per person. While individual states administer the benefits, the program relies on federal funding, which has been suspended since the government shutdown began on October 1.