Jennifer Levin

Just last week, the same judge, John McConnell Jr., ordered the release of at least partial SNAP payments.

A group of cities and nonprofits argued that was not enough and could take weeks for some states to administer.

Judge McConnell agreed.

He said the administration had ignored the harmful consequences of slashing the nation's biggest anti-hunger program.

He also said President Trump showed intent to defy a court order when he posted on Truth Social this week that SNAP benefits would not restart until after the federal shutdown was over.

The administration's appeal once again puts food aid on hold for millions of people as food banks around the country scramble to help fill the gap.

Jennifer Levin, NPR News, Washington.