FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — In the toughest rebuke on the president since crucial SNAP benefits ran out on November 1, a U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to fully reinstate SNAP food benefits to Americans as soon as Friday.
In a court filing, Trump’s Department of Justice stated it would appeal the judge’s decision.
On Thursday night, critical benefits started to roll in for places like California.
Those funds arriving onto EBT cards for over five million Californians, providing much-needed relief as many go without food assistance for a sixth day.
“With 30 percent of households in my district relying on SNAP, it is critical that the Administration meet its legal and moral obligations,” U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., said in a statement. “Taking food away from hardworking families in my district is not just unlawful, it’s callous and immoral.”
The Fresno City Council is taking action and approving $250,000 for the Central California Food Bank with a unanimous 7-0 vote.
The resolution was introduced by Councilmember Nelson Esparza and Mayor Jerry Dyer.
“Despite the court ruling, this remains the right thing to do. To be part of the safety nets that catches those residents who may otherwise fall through the cracks this month,” Esparza said.
Esparza’s donation comes from his own district’s operating budget. The city then contributed $200,000 of its own money, pulled from its general fund.
The two bundled together create the total $250,000 donation by the city council.
“What I want to know is who, how, when and where. I want details to how that quarter million dollars will be spent from city taxpayers,” councilmember Miguel Arias said.
“The thought that $250,000 is going to fix the problem in Fresno is just not going to be the case,” Fresno city manager Georgeanne White said. “So to get as much out to as many people as quickly as possible was the goal,For news updates, follow Christina Lopez on certainly from the administration’s perspective.”
The city says that check for $250,000 would be delivered to the Central California Food Bank as soon as Monday.
