UPDATE: A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia has launched an urgent lawsuit against the Trump administration over the abrupt suspension of food stamp benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. With the shutdown entering its 28th day, millions of Americans—over 25 million in these states alone—are facing imminent disruptions in essential federal food aid.
The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, demands that the Department of Agriculture immediately reinstate benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the month of November. The coalition includes major states such as California, New York, and Pennsylvania, all arguing that the administration’s decision to halt payments is illegal and threatens to exacerbate food insecurity for millions across the nation.
The states contend that the administration’s refusal to utilize approximately $5 billion in contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits constitutes a violation of congressional appropriations law. They emphasize that cutting off these crucial payments could lead to severe public health issues, including malnutrition and associated cognitive and behavioral problems in children.
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Shutting off SNAP benefits will cause deterioration of public health and well-being,”
state officials asserted in their lawsuit. As the clock ticks down to the end of the month, families reliant on these benefits risk going hungry, with the average SNAP recipient receiving about $187 monthly on prepaid cards for groceries.
The USDA previously indicated that the contingency funds could be accessed for state administrative expenses but claimed they are not legally available for regular benefits. This claim has drawn ire from state officials, who cite a prior USDA memo from January 2019 that allowed for limited funding from these same funds to provide benefits during a similar shutdown.
New York Attorney General Letitia James voiced her concerns, stating, “
Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide.
” She emphasized that SNAP is a vital lifeline for families in need.
As discussions continue, bipartisan concern has emerged over the impending food stamp crisis. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has introduced legislation aimed at ensuring continued funding for SNAP during the shutdown, garnering support from ten other GOP senators and Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont.
The situation remains fluid as state officials explore ways to maintain assistance for their residents. With an ever-growing number of Americans relying on food stamps—about 1 in 8—the potential lapse in benefits has become an urgent crisis impacting families nationwide.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed as developments unfold, and state officials are urging federal lawmakers to act swiftly. The humanitarian stakes are high, with millions counting on timely access to food assistance during this critical period.