A new lawsuit by Democratic state officials Tuesday seeks to unlock emergency funds to help tens of millions of Americans continue to buy food for their families as federal SNAP funding is expected to run dry Saturday because of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aids approximately one in eight Americans in purchasing groceries. The halt of these benefits could leave a substantial void in the safety net, impacting vulnerable families who rely on such assistance. Other programs supporting families, including Head Start and WIC, could also face funding disruptions.
The lawsuit, filed by the attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia, requests access to a federal contingency fund possessing about $5 billion, enough to cover benefits for over half a month. Additionally, there is a possibility of accessing a separate $23 billion fund associated with other federal programs.
Despite prior assurances from the Department of Agriculture that it would use the $5 billion to keep SNAP operating, recent memos indicated legal complications surrounding the use of these funds. Officials maintain that the federal government must continue providing benefits as long as available funding exists.
More than 70% of SNAP participants are families with children, with many living below the poverty line and struggling to balance food expenses with other financial obligations. As SNAP funding faces uncertainty, food banks are gearing up for increased demand amidst dwindling federal support.
States including Louisiana, Vermont, and South Carolina are pledging to provide some form of backup food assistance, although several report a lack of technical capability to maintain regular SNAP benefits without federal reinforcements. Meanwhile, plans are being made for additional funding to food banks across various states to meet growing demand.
Head Start programs also anticipate disruptions in funding if the government shutdown continues, affecting early childhood education for many vulnerable children. With the impending potential for SNAP benefits cuts and the plight of many families on the line, the situation remains critical.
