BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge in Boston is scheduled to hear a motion on Thursday that could compel the Trump administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), despite the government shutdown imminent in the coming days.

The case comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates plans to freeze SNAP payments, claiming that continued funding is not possible under current shutdown circumstances.

SNAP is vital for about 1 in 8 Americans, providing food assistance to millions and forming a significant part of the national social safety net. With reports in October asserting that SNAP would cease on November 1 due to the shutdown, states, food banks, and SNAP beneficiaries have been scrambling to find alternative food security measures. Some states have announced plans to use their own resources to keep the program afloat as they anticipate the federal freeze.

Attorneys general and governors from 25 states plus the District of Columbia have filed challenges against the USDA's decision to pause the program, arguing that the administration is legally obligated to ensure that it continues operating.

In its defense, the administration argues that it cannot utilize a contingency fund known to hold approximately $5 billion for SNAP funding, reversing a prior USDA suggestion to use these funds to maintain the program during the shutdown. State officials contend that not only can these funds be accessed, but they must be used in this crisis. They also cite another available fund totaling around $23 billion that could support SNAP.

The overall cost of the SNAP program stands at around $8 billion a month, raising urgent questions about funding continuity as the shutdown draws nearer. The quick reloading of debit cards used by beneficiaries for grocery purchases may also be uncertain, as this process typically takes one to two weeks.

For eligibility this year, a family of four must have a net income below the federal poverty line, which is approximately $31,000 annually. Last year, SNAP aided 41 million people, with nearly two-thirds being families with children.

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This report was compiled with contributions from contributors including Mulvihill in Haddonfield, New Jersey.