**California Families Begin Receiving SNAP Benefits After Judge’s Order**
SAN FRANCISCO — California families are beginning to see their SNAP benefits restored to their cards after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the food assistance program for November by Friday.
One viewer told ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles that her account was “fully funded.”
California was among more than 22 states that sued the Trump administration over what they described as the “unlawful refusal to fund SNAP/CalFresh benefits” during the government shutdown.
In a statement, Governor Gavin Newsom said, “California will continue fighting to ensure that our families can access the food they need and deserve. The court rightly shut down the Trump administration’s attempt to use the well-being of American citizens as pawns in their sick political game. As President Trump continues to create harm through self-inflicted wounds on our country, we will keep protecting Americans who are caught in the crossfire. I am pleased at the court ruling and that those food benefits are now beginning to flow back to California families.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration asked a federal appeals court on Friday to block the judge’s order to distribute the full monthly SNAP benefit for November, even as some states reported moving quickly to deliver the funds to recipients.
The ruling, issued Thursday, came after cities and nonprofits challenged the administration’s plan to cover only 65% of the maximum benefit. Last month, the Trump administration announced it would not pay any SNAP benefits for November because of the ongoing federal shutdown.
Last week, two judges ordered the government to pay at least partial benefits using an emergency fund.
More than 5 million people rely on SNAP benefits across California. In light of the uncertainty, some organizations are now calling on Governor Newsom to backfill SNAP funding if needed.
As for the government shutdown, a test vote on a new package—which has yet to be publicly revealed—could take place Friday.
*The Associated Press contributed to this report.*
https://abc7news.com/post/snap-benefits-california-families-starting-see-back-cards/18126263/