UPDATE: Federal Judge Orders Trump To Fund And Distribute SNAP Payments, Sets Deadline (VIDEO)

Just when millions of families faced a Thanksgiving without guaranteed meals due to Trump’s attempt to halt SNAP funding, a federal judge stepped in to make sure no one goes hungry. The ruling came just hours before benefits were set to run out, potentially saving countless Americans who rely on the program.

RELATED: Pastor Jamal Bryant Redirects Church Donations To Feed Families As Millions Prepare To Lose EBT Benefits (VIDEO)

Judge Orders Immediate SNAP Payments Amid Government Shutdown

On Friday, U.S. District Judge John McConnell ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to distribute SNAP funds “as soon as possible,” using money from a contingency fund if necessary. The decision comes after a separate federal judge declared the Trump administration’s plan to halt SNAP payments starting November 1 unlawful. But, that ruling did not compel immediate distribution of funds.

Judge McConnell emphasized that the six billion dollars in contingency funding was meant for situations just like this. He added that withholding funds while the government shutdown lingers would cause “irreparable harm” to millions of families. He noted that concerns about reserving money for potential disasters, like hurricanes, do not outweigh the immediate need to feed people.

“There is no doubt that the six billion dollars in contingency funds are appropriated funds that are without a doubt necessary to carry out the program’s operation,” McConnell claimed. “The shutdown of the government through funding doesn’t do away with SNAP. It just does away with the funding of it. There could be no greater necessity than the prohibition across the board of funds for the program’s operations.”

Social Media Erupts After SNAP Ruling Hits

Fans quickly flocked to the Shade Room comment section to share messages of gratitude, with many praising God for the timely ruling. Countless users also thanked the two judges for standing up for families in need. At the same time, some commenters expressed anger and frustration, saying they would never forgive Trump for attempting to block the funding.

One Instagram user @xenosaga_babe said, “Think of the children , they deserve a happy Thanksgiving“

This Instagram user @z.barbieee added, “I’m sorry but is this not an emergency?!?😭”

And, Instagram user @kheramel wrote, “Shout to the judges who remember the struggle. 🫶🏽♥️”

Instagram user @stlco3 shared, “Thank you to the 2 federal judges that stood up for…millions of people“

While Instagram user @boddyyy_so_amazing commented, “Who’s bigger than the program (GOD) !!!!!!“

Lastly, Instagram user @mrsjax_ added, “I knew this was gonna happen. They wait until the very last second to make a decision smh“

Deadline Set For USDA To Fund Food Stamps

A federal judge in Boston, Massachusetts, gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture until Monday to present a plan to fund SNAP. Almost simultaneously, a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the program must be funded using contingency funds. Furthermore, the judge also requested an update on progress by Monday.

The ruling affects not just individual SNAP recipients, but also cities and community organizations that rely on steady funding to support low-income residents. Judge McConnell emphasized that if the contingency funds run short, the USDA is legally required to tap other resources to ensure payments are made, highlighting the essential nature of SNAP even amid federal funding chaos.

RELATED: Trump Administration Rejects Using Emergency Funds For EBT As Millions On Verge Of Losing SNAP Benefits