By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general pressing federal officials for clarity on the future of food assistance programs as the federal government shutdown drags on.
According to information released by the Attorney General’s Office, the coalition sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) demanding to know how the agency intends to proceed after warning that funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may lapse beginning November 1, 2025.
The letter highlights concerns that millions of vulnerable Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans, could lose access to food assistance.
In New Jersey alone, nearly one million residents rely on SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
“It is outrageous and cruel that the Trump Administration would allow this funding to end and endanger the lives of millions of Americans, including nearly a million people right here in New Jersey,” Platkin said.
He noted that USDA still has access to billions in contingency funds set aside for emergencies that could be used to continue payments without interruption.
On October 10, USDA instructed states to withhold November SNAP issuance files, effectively blocking benefits from being processed.
The attorneys general argue the agency has not cited legal authority to justify that directive and warned that even a temporary disruption could have devastating consequences nationwide.
The coalition’s letter also requests answers by October 27 on whether USDA intends to use contingency funds or other resources to ensure benefits are paid, and how states should proceed in the meantime.
Nationally, nearly 42 million Americans depend on SNAP, with children making up almost 40% of recipients and seniors accounting for another 20%.