Democratic Officials Sue to Secure SNAP Funding Amid Government Shutdown

Thu Oct 30 2025 05:38:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A coalition of Democratic state officials has filed a lawsuit to release emergency funding to support millions of Americans relying on food assistance via the SNAP program as the U.S. government shutdown approaches.

As the U.S. government shutdown threatens to halt SNAP funding, Democratic state officials have initiated a lawsuit to unlock emergency resources that could support food aid for tens of millions of Americans. The program, vital for low-income families, is facing a major shortfall, prompting various states to seek alternative measures to ensure food security during this crisis.

A new lawsuit by Democratic state officials Tuesday seeks to uncork emergency money to help tens of millions of Americans keep buying food for their families after federal SNAP funding is expected to run dry Saturday due to the U.S. government shutdown.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, aids approximately one in eight Americans in purchasing groceries. A halt to SNAP benefits would create a significant gap in the country’s safety net. Vulnerable families may also experience cutbacks in federal funds for other programs, like Head Start preschool and support for mothers and their newborns through the WIC program.

Democratic Officials Take Action

In a legal filing on behalf of 22 states and the District of Columbia, Democratic attorneys general are urging the federal government to tap a contingency fund of around $5 billion to sustain SNAP benefits. They argue that the government is obligated to maintain benefits as long as funding exists.

President Trump's Department of Agriculture, in a recent memo, affirmed that it could not legally utilize the funds as intended. The memo further mentioned that an additional $23 billion is required to maintain other essential programs during the shutdown.

The lack of SNAP funds will undoubtedly impact millions of families, with a significant percentage of recipients being children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. The average benefit of $187 per person serves to bridge the gap for many households navigating economic difficulties.

States across the political spectrum are scrambling to find ways to support recipients. Some states are pledging funds for emergency aid, while food banks brace for increased demand amidst escalating issues related to food access.

As the federal shutdown continues to disrupt essential services, the pressures on local and state governments to act are intensifying. The situation necessitates collaboration and urgent action to ensure food security for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.