Gov. Healey confirmed all eligible residents have received food assistance as a federal judge blocks the USDA's attempt to force states to retract November payments during the shutdown.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised the community for stepping up to help people impacted by the government shutdown.

Lawmakers say restoring operations would allow SNAP payments to resume for the 42 million Americans who rely on the program, though it remains unclear how quickly full benefits would be restored. This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.