Capitol News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with attorneys general from 22 other states and the District of Columbia, has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking clarification on the future of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding in light of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The group is requesting information from USDA’s Acting Associate Administrator for SNAP after the agency warned that funds for nutrition programs could run out soon. The attorneys general highlighted concerns about potential harm to children, seniors, and veterans who rely on food assistance.

“SNAP helps feed 1.4 million Michiganders, and without it, families would face impossible choices between paying rent, buying medicine, or putting food on the table,” Nessel said. “The Trump Administration should use all available funds to ensure SNAP benefits are not paused and be upfront about how they plan to move forward so Americans continue receiving the support they need during this time of uncertainty.”

On October 10, 2025, USDA notified state agencies administering SNAP that if the government shutdown continues, there may not be enough money to pay full November benefits for about 42 million people nationwide. The USDA also directed states to delay sending November benefit files to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors until further notice.

According to the attorneys general’s letter, this action was taken without citing legal authority or providing an explanation. They note that while USDA can reduce or suspend SNAP benefits under certain conditions, it did not indicate that those requirements had been met in its communication.

The attorneys general argue that Congress has already allocated several billion dollars in contingency reserve funds for emergencies like this and believe these should be used instead of telling states to hold back payments. They also mention Section 32 funds as another possible resource for continuing SNAP during the shutdown.

They warn that even a temporary interruption could have serious consequences for millions who depend on SNAP both in Michigan and across the country.

Nearly 13% of Michigan households—about 1.4 million people—receive SNAP benefits. Of these recipients, around 43% are families with children and 36% include older adults or people with disabilities. Additionally, approximately 40,000 veterans in Michigan receive SNAP assistance.

In their letter, the attorneys general ask USDA several questions regarding remaining contingency funds from previous appropriations; access to other sources of funding; plans for using such funds; reasons behind instructing states to hold November files; and guidance on whether recent directives constitute a suspension or cancellation of benefits under federal regulations.

SNAP participants in Michigan are encouraged to contact their local Department of Health & Human Services office with questions about their benefits or check MI Bridges for updates. Additional help is available by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1 for referrals to local food programs and support services. Residents can also visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan website for information on nearby food banks and hunger relief efforts.

Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington State and Wisconsin joined Nessel in signing the letter.