States Sue to Block SNAP Benefit Pause

SNAP benefits are set to pause on Nov. 1 amid the federal government shutdown, putting grocery assistance for roughly 40–42 million Americans at risk. About two dozen state attorneys general and several governors have sued the USDA and the administration seeking to block the suspension, arguing the agency unlawfully refused to tap congressionally appropriated contingency funds (about $6 billion) and violated the Food and Nutrition Act and the Administrative Procedure Act; the USDA and White House say funding is exhausted absent a funding agreement from Congress. Some governors are redirecting state contingency funds to bolster food banks, but charity leaders warn nonprofits cannot replace regular SNAP cash assistance. Congressional Republicans rejected a Democratic push to carve out SNAP funding during the shutdown, leaving recipients reliant on state action and emergency aid. Food banks and pantries across multiple states report surging demand, depleted shelves and emergency purchases, and officials say unused EBT balances will remain available after Nov. 1 but no new benefits will be issued without congressional action.