...A total breakdown in the nation’s largest anti-hunger program might have been unfathomable in past shutdowns, and under prior administrations. But Mr. Trump promised throughout the fiscal stalemate to slash programs favored by Democrats. He spoke openly about using the core functions of government as a form of political leverage, while his administration refused to tap ample leftover funds to provide full food stamps this month.

Mr. Trump’s aides opposed any requirement that they disburse complete aid, threatening states and mounting a legal fight that it twice took to the Supreme Court. Even on Monday, as the Senate worked to reopen the government, the administration continued to resist. In at least one state, Mr. Trump’s actions threatened to shut off the cards used by families to buy groceries, according to local officials, who pressed ahead with a lawsuit to force the release of benefits.

“We have this expectation that the federal government will do everything it can to prevent Americans from going hungry, and that is not the case,” said Sarah Saadian, the senior vice president for public policy and campaigns for the National Council of Nonprofits...

nytimes.com - Trump food stamps safety net