A new lawsuit by Democratic state officials Tuesday seeks to unlock emergency funds to assist tens of millions of Americans in purchasing food for their families, as federal SNAP funding is anticipated to run dry following a U.S. government shutdown.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides essential grocery funding to about one in eight Americans. A suspension of these benefits would create a significant void in the nation's social safety net, impacting many vulnerable families who may also see federal funding vanish for other programs, such as Head Start preschool programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Democratic officials take legal action
The lawsuit was initiated by attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia, alongside three governors. Their case focuses on a federal contingency fund of approximately $5 billion—sufficient to maintain SNAP benefits for over half a month. These officials contend that the federal government could also access an additional $23 billion fund to sustain benefits.
Despite plans from the Trump administration's Department of Agriculture indicating the use of the $5 billion to support SNAP, recent communications assert that such disbursement is not legally permissible. The administration emphasizes that utilizing the $23 billion earmarked for other programs is also not advisable.
The Democratic officials argue that the administration has a legal obligation to continue SNAP benefits while funding is available.
SNAP cardholders will not receive new benefits as of November 1, complicating the situation for millions.
The impact of potential cutbacks
Approximately one-third of SNAP participants are families with children, while close to 40 percent belong to households with at least one employed individual. Most participants live below the federal poverty line, which is about $32,000 annually for a family of four, with nearly 16 million children benefiting from SNAP in 2023. The average monthly benefit per person stands at $187.
Beneficiaries express a dire situation where they may have to prioritize bills over purchasing food. Food banks are bracing for an upsurge in demand despite their own budgeting restraints.
State responses to SNAP cuts
Several state governments, including those led by both Democrats and Republicans, are actively seeking ways to support SNAP beneficiaries. States like Louisiana, Vermont, Virginia, and Rhode Island are attempting to provide backup food assistance, though many acknowledge lacking the capacity to fund ongoing regular benefits.
For instance, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has devised a plan to redirect $6 million from existing funds to aid SNAP recipients, while Virginia's Governor Glenn Youngkin announced plans to facilitate weekly EBT card loading for SNAP participants. Other states, including Washington, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, are announcing strategies to enhance food bank support in light of dwindling federal aid.
Nevertheless, some of these measures may only cover a fraction of affected individuals, leaving significant gaps in food assistance that could affect millions. The varied responses highlight both the urgency of the situation as well as the critical intersections of federal funding and state-level initiatives designed to fill the void.
In addition, educators and early childhood programs reliant on federal support are also at risk, with over 130 Head Start programs potentially facing funding interruptions. Overall, the potential cessation of federal support invokes participants' fears of increased food insecurity and the necessity for ongoing advocacy to seek aid.
