The Agriculture Department has issued a directive demanding that states “immediately undo” any measures they have implemented to distribute full November payments to recipients of the food assistance program, commonly known as food stamps. This announcement, made on November 9, 2025, at 2:43 p.m. EST, has significant implications for millions of Americans facing food insecurity.
Over the weekend, the Trump administration mandated that states cease the distribution of full food assistance benefits for November. This decision affects approximately 42 million low-income Americans who rely on these benefits for their daily sustenance. The move has raised concerns among advocates and families alike, as many struggle to make ends meet amidst rising costs of living.
A memo from the Agriculture Department’s Food and Nutrition Service has instructed states to “immediately undo any steps taken to issue” the full payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is essential for many households. This abrupt policy change has left states scrambling to comply while also addressing the immediate needs of their residents.
State officials and advocates for low-income families are expressing their frustration over this sudden directive. Many fear that halting the distribution of full food assistance will exacerbate food insecurity and lead to increased hardship for vulnerable populations. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as families depend on these benefits to secure basic nutrition.
The decision by the Trump administration to halt full food assistance payments for November has sparked a widespread outcry from various stakeholders. As the Agriculture Department continues to navigate this complex issue, it remains to be seen how states will respond and what measures will be taken to support those impacted by this policy shift.
