A federal judge has ruled that the federal government must use contingency funds to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operational during a government shutdown. The decision comes after New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 25 other attorneys general and governors filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The lawsuit challenged the USDA’s recent announcement that it would suspend November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal shutdown.
Attorney General James emphasized the significance of SNAP for millions across the country, stating, “Millions of families rely on SNAP — or food stamps — to survive. The administration tried to use the shutdown as an excuse to withhold food assistance from vulnerable Americans, but the court has made clear that the law requires those benefits to continue. The federal government cannot simply walk away from its obligation to feed the people it serves. We will keep fighting until every family in New York and across the nation can put food on the table.”
The coalition argued that suspending SNAP benefits was unlawful because Congress had already allocated billions in contingency funds specifically designed to maintain SNAP during funding lapses. They warned that failing to act would leave many low-income families without resources for groceries.
In its order, issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the court found USDA’s action likely violated federal law and required immediate steps be taken using available contingency funds or other resources so there is no disruption in food assistance programs. While not formally granting a temporary restraining order sought by states, the court directed officials to deploy funding immediately and report their plan by Monday, November 3.
Separately, another ruling from the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island granted a nationwide temporary restraining order requiring restoration of SNAP benefits as soon as possible.
