States Sue USDA as SNAP Cutoff Looms

SNAP benefits are at risk of suspension on Nov. 1 after a federal government shutdown left the USDA saying contingency funds are unavailable, jeopardizing benefits for more than 40 million people and a program that costs roughly $8 billion a month. Twenty-five states led by Democrats have sued the USDA, and a federal judge in Boston has signaled she may order emergency funds to keep payments flowing, though any court-ordered remedy could delay or reduce benefits. States and localities are deploying emergency measures — Ohio approved up to $25 million (including $7 million for food banks and $18 million to boost benefits for about 63,000 recipients), Massachusetts released $4 million to food banks, Louisiana authorized $150 million, and other jurisdictions have issued smaller supplements or urged use of surplus funds. Food banks and nonprofits report surging demand and increased donations, but officials warn these stopgaps cannot fully replace SNAP and that many seniors, children and working families face immediate hardship. Political leaders are trading blame: the administration says legal limits prevent tapping contingency funds and calls on Congress to act, while Democrats say the funds are available and accuse the administration of "weaponizing" hunger.