N.J. Files Legal Action as 25 States Challenge Suspending of Critical Food-Aid Benefits

New Jersey joined 25 states in suing the feds over SNAP suspension this week. The lawsuit claimed the USDA and its administration wrongfully delayed payouts during the federal government shutdown, upsetting a key nutrition-support program.

According to the Attorney General, locally regulated but federally financed SNAP assists almost 800,000 New Jerseyans, including children and seniors. According to state officials, the USDA is refusing to use legally designated contingency money, placing millions of low-income households at risk of losing food next month.

Governor Phil Murphy said it was crucial because Trump uses New Jersey families as political leverage. The complaint claims the USDA defunded SNAP despite funding other federal programs with emergency reserves during the shutdown. The states deem this choice “deliberate, illegal and inhumane,” given the program’s goal.

According to the lawsuit, the USDA told states on October 10 that the shutdown would impede November payouts. Three governors and 24 attorneys general and DC joined New Jersey in the action. The group wants the USDA to restore benefits and spend monies with a TRO.

SNAP’s first food-security lawsuit is by a major multi-state group, say lawyers. Freezing benefits violates the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which requires qualified households to receive aid, and the Administrative Procedure Act by making unjustified changes, the states claim. USDA workers said the shutdown cut legal contingency funds.

Legalities aside, the matter affects people greatly. SNAP suspension may force many people to use congested food banks and community pantries, straining state and local institutions, say advocates. Families receiving monthly help worry about the holidays.

In litigation, experts want to observe how federal courts interpret Congressional funding, statute-based assistance obligations, and the president’s shutdown policy. States are growing dissatisfied with the federal government’s failure to protect the poor, including New Jersey.

Sources
Politico
NY Post
CT Insider