SNAP Benefits to Stop Nov. 1; States Sue

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it cannot legally tap contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits, and warned that benefits will not be issued starting Nov. 1 as federal funding runs out amid the government shutdown. The interruption is expected to affect roughly 42 million Americans, including about 680,000 in Maryland, more than 1.4 million in Ohio and millions in Texas. Dozens of states — and 25 state attorneys general plus D.C. — have filed or joined federal lawsuits seeking to compel the USDA to continue funding; some states and governors have also pursued litigation or emergency measures. Several states are implementing stopgaps, notably Virginia’s Emergency Nutrition Assistance Program (VENAP), while nonprofits, food banks and charities are expanding distributions but warn community efforts cannot fully replace federal SNAP aid. Lawmakers have introduced bills such as the Keep SNAP Funded 5 Act to try to secure retroactive payments, but prospects remain uncertain as officials trade blame and some accuse the administration of prioritizing other projects over feeding vulnerable Americans.