The USDA is providing states with about half the normal funding, requiring systems to be recalibrated. Federal officials and the White House have indicated that payments will be delayed for weeks or months. Food banks are preparing to assist but cannot fully cover the gap left by delayed SNAP benefits.

"Due to the limited availability of Federal funding and orders from two Federal courts, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is reducing SNAP maximum allotments to 50 percent," the USDA said, adding that states should "take immediate action" to implement the new plan.