A federal judge ruled Friday that the Agriculture Department must disburse funding for SNAP, also known as food stamps.

While the USDA’s notice focuses on maintaining equal treatment among shoppers, state-level changes to SNAP are also on the horizon. Texas and several other states are preparing to restrict purchases of certain “junk food” and soft drinks with SNAP benefits beginning in 2026.

The government shutdown continues as Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over a funding plan. Meanwhile, SNAP recipients across the U.S. are concerned after funding for several federal food assistance programs lapsed over the weekend.