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With Washington poised to reopen, SNAP benefits are expected to resume for about 42 million people, but days of delays have left deep anxiety and distrust. During the 43 day shutdown, the Trump administration resisted paying full food stamp aid, fought court orders, and in at least one state threatened to cut off grocery cards, local officials said. Families skipped or rationed meals as food banks strained—Boston alone moved 500,000 more pounds. A spending deal would fund SNAP for a year, yet safeguards remain thin, leaving the program vulnerable to future disruptions.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.