The government did rely on contingency funding to keep food aid going when it shut down during President Donald Trump’s first term.

A federal judge in Rhode Island on Friday blocked President Donald Trump's administration from suspending all food aid for millions of Americans amid the ongoing government shutdown. (Reporting by Nate Raymond;

U.S. District Judge John McConnell said that he will block the Trump administration from suspending SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

Two federal judge have ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund the SNAP food aid program using emergency reserve funds during the government shutdown

Following the decisions, the Administration will be required to send out at least some of the benefits that were set to be paid on Saturday, though when beneficiaries will see the funds—and how much will be paid—remains in question.

The rulings, including in a case brought by Attorney General Josh Kaul, reject the Trump administration's rationale for not funding food assistance.

Two federal judges have ruled that President Donald Trump must use contingency funds to keep SNAP benefits going during the federal government shutdown.