(The Center Square) – Despite previously denying it had the legal authority to do so, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday that it will use emergency funds to partially cover SNAP benefits for the month of November.

The change is in response to rulings from two federal judges, based in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The judges ordered the Trump administration to use reserve funds to ensure that the 42 million Americans on food stamps do not lose their benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.

USDA, however, says it only has enough emergency funds, roughly $4.6 billion, to cover 50% of November benefits. It will not tap other contingency funds, which historically have been used during events like natural disasters while the government is open.

Federal agencies like the

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