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, helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries. A halt to SNAP benefits would leave a gaping hole in the country’s safety net. Vulnerable families could see federal money dry up soon for some other programs, as well — from certain Head Start preschool programs to aid for mothers to care for their newborns through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC.
Legal Action by Democratic Officials
Tuesday’s legal filing from attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia, plus three governors, focuses on a federal contingency fund with roughly $5 billion in it – enough to pay for the benefits for more than half a month. The officials also say the federal government could use money from a separate $23 billion fund to cover benefits.
Despite previous promises by President Trump’s Department of Agriculture to use the $5 billion fund for SNAP during the shutdown, a recent memo stated that it couldn't legally be applied in this manner and could jeopardize other essential programs.
Impact on Families
Most SNAP participants are families with children, and many include older adults or individuals with disabilities. Close to 40% are employed but earn below the poverty line. In 2023 alone, nearly 16 million children benefited from SNAP.
Without SNAP, beneficiaries are worried about having to choose between food and other essential bills, as food banks prepare for an expected surge in demand.
State-Level Responses
The federal shutdown’s impact has prompted states, both controlled by Democrats and Republicans, to seek immediate alternative support for SNAP recipients. Governors from Louisiana, Vermont, Virginia, and Rhode Island have committed to providing some level of food assistance, even though they lack the technical capacity to fully replace SNAP benefits. More funding is in discussion in several states, with emergency measures being implemented to ensure that essential nutritional support continues through this crisis.
Implications for Early Education
The shutdown not only poses risks for SNAP recipients but also for early childhood programs relying on federal grants such as Head Start, with estimates indicating that over 130 programs might miss crucial funding beginning Nov. 1.
Closing Remarks
With SNAP benefits scheduled to freeze as of Nov. 1, officials stress the urgency for legal and practical solutions to prevent widespread food insecurity. As pressure mounts, both state officials and advocates are scrambling to devise backup plans to support vulnerable populations during this critical time.
