Shutdown Threatens SNAP, WIC; States Sue

The ongoing federal government shutdown threatens November SNAP and WIC payments, putting roughly 41–42 million recipients nationwide — and about 477,000–500,000 Nevadans — at risk. The USDA says its contingency funds are reserved for emergencies and has warned it will not reimburse states that cover benefits, meaning states cannot make new or ongoing SNAP payments until federal funding resumes. At least two dozen states and more than 23 state attorneys general have sued the USDA, and lawmakers in Congress have filed or renewed standalone proposals — including the bipartisan Keep SNAP Funded Act — to appropriate funds to continue benefits. Some states and local officials are preparing to step in: Massachusetts advanced $4 million to food banks, Maryland officials have urged using state or rainy‑day funds, Georgia Democrats urged tapping a surplus, and Michigan senators introduced legislation to compel the USDA to release contingency funds. Food banks and nonprofits report surging demand from seniors, Holocaust survivors, people aging out of foster care and working families and warn they are being overwhelmed as federal leaders remain deadlocked.