CHICAGO (WGN) — With food stamp benefits set to expire Saturday, two federal judges ruled almost simultaneously that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue funding SNAP, the nation’s largest food assistance program, during the government shutdown, using contingency dollars if necessary.

The rulings, issued in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, give the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November.

SNAP supports roughly one in eight Americans and costs about $8 billion per month, making it an important part of the nation’s social safety net.

Even with the court mandate in place, providers warn delays could still hit working families. The Salvation Army says it is already witnessing a rise in food insecurity as grocery prices climb.

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