### Legal Action Against USDA: States Unite Over SNAP Benefits Suspension In a significant legal move, New Jersey Attorney General has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This action is part of a broader coalition, with 22 other state attorneys general joining the lawsuit, highlighting a growing concern over the impact of the federal government's decisions on food assistance during a prolonged government shutdown. The lawsuit argues that the USDA's decision to halt SNAP benefits is unlawful and detrimental to millions of Americans who rely on this support for their basic nutritional needs [https://ocnjdaily.com/news/2025/oct/29/nj-attorney-general-sues-usda-over-suspension-of-snap-benifits]. ### Overview of the Legal Challenge 1. **Background of the Lawsuit**: - The lawsuit was filed in response to the USDA's announcement that it would not utilize contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, which has left many vulnerable families without essential food assistance [https://www.wskg.org/npr-news/2025-10-27/democratic-ags-and-governors-sue-usda-for-suspending-snap-benefits]. 2. **Coalition of States**: - Over 20 states, including New York, Kentucky, Michigan, Maine, and Washington, have joined forces in this legal battle, indicating a widespread discontent with the federal administration's handling of SNAP funding [https://www.thedailynewsonline.com/news/ag-letitia-james-sues-trump-administration-over-snap-suspension/article_8d5607d2-2ae9-41ea-876e-98ebd495c25b.html, https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/ma-attorney-general-campbell-sues-trump-administration-snap-funding-freeze]. 3. **Legal Arguments**: - The states argue that the suspension of SNAP benefits is not only illegal but also poses a significant risk to public health and welfare, as approximately 40 million Americans depend on these benefits for their daily sustenance [https://patch.com/michigan/across-mi/mi-among-states-suing-trump-administration-over-suspended-snap-benefits]. ### Evidence Supporting the Claims - **Impact on Beneficiaries**: - The suspension affects millions, with SNAP providing critical support to low-income families. The coalition emphasizes that the lack of funding during the shutdown exacerbates food insecurity across the nation [https://blackstarnews.com/ny-ag-james-sues-federal-government-for-illegally-suspending-snap-benefits-during-shutdown]. - **State Responses**: - States like Kentucky and Maine have publicly stated their commitment to restoring SNAP funding, reflecting a unified stance against the federal government's decision [https://www.953wiki.com/news/local-news/kentuckys-governor-challenges-trump-administration-over-illegal-suspension-of-snap-benefits, https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/politics/maine-politics/maine-joins-multistate-lawsuit-over-snap-suspension-during-federal-shutdown-ag-aaron-m-frey/97-4f51ac5a-c60c-429a-8d1d-3031e12ed5cd]. ### Conclusion: A Unified Stand for SNAP Benefits The multistate lawsuit against the USDA represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for food security in America. 1. **Legal Action**: The coalition of states is taking a firm stand against the suspension of SNAP benefits, arguing for the restoration of funding to protect vulnerable populations. 2. **Public Health Concerns**: The implications of this suspension extend beyond legalities, affecting the health and well-being of millions who rely on these benefits for nutrition. 3. **Future Implications**: The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how federal funding is managed during government shutdowns, potentially influencing future policies regarding food assistance programs. The collective efforts of these states underscore the urgency of addressing food insecurity and ensuring that essential services remain available during times of crisis [https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/washington/washington-ag-joins-lawsuit-halt-snap-benefits-suspension-government-shutdown/293-a11e65db-6c0d-42a2-b37f-b3dbfa158798].