A group of over two dozen states sued the Trump administration to suspend food stamps during the shutdown. The lawsuit, led by New York, California, and Massachusetts, seeks to require the US Department of Agriculture to use emergency reserve funds to provide food benefits to 42 million families and children relying on SNAP. The USDA shows that no benefits issued on November 1.
Trump administration sued over food stamps suspension
“Snap is one of our country most effective tools to fight hunger, and the USDA has the money to keep it running,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “There is no excuse for this administration to abandon families who rely on SNAP, or food stamps, as a lifeline. The federal government must do its job to protect families.”
The Democratic attorneys general and three governors argue in their lawsuit that the federal government required by law to continue food benefits for low-income households. They have requested a ruling on their motion by Friday.
SNAP Program serve low income Americans
According to the USDA, SNAP is the largest nutrition assistance program in the country, serving roughly one in eight low-income Americans at a cost of around $8 billion per month. The USDA’s contingency fund estimated to have about $6 billion available.
The end of Snap benefits has become a significant issue in the ongoing shutdown standoff between Democrats and Republicans. Food banks and pantries across the country, already struggling from severe cuts to federal programs. They are preparing for increase in demand if federal food aid stops. State officials try to maintain support for recipients.
Many congressional Democrats and Republicans called on the Trump administration to use the reserve funding to help prevent widespread hunger and financial hardship for Americans. However, the administration has so far refused.
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