Maryland Attorney General Joins Lawsuit to Restore Federal Food Assistance Program

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 other state attorneys general and three governors in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Secretary over the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The lawsuit, filed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, seeks to immediately restore SNAP funding, which provides essential food assistance to approximately 42 million Americans.

The federal government fiscal year began on October 1, 2025, without an approved appropriation bill, leading to a government shutdown. By October 10, the USDA notified state SNAP agencies that continued shutdown would result in insufficient funds to cover November benefit payments for millions nationwide. However, the coalition contends that the USDA has access to billions of dollars in congressionally appropriated SNAP-specific contingency funds specifically intended for such situations. The lawsuit alleges that the USDA has continued to fund other federal programs during the shutdown while deliberately refusing to fund SNAP, a decision described as unlawful and inhumane.

According to the Attorney General, in Maryland alone, over 680,000 residents rely on SNAP benefits, including approximately 262,000 children. The legal action highlights the critical role SNAP plays in ensuring food security for vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. For May 2025, Maryland SNAP recipients included 262,248 children under the age of 18, 121,615 seniors aged 62 and older, 128,705 individuals with disabilities, and 28,843 people experiencing homelessness. The suspension of these benefits is anticipated to have severe consequences for the health and well-being of these individuals and families.

Beyond the direct impact on recipients, the lapse in SNAP benefits is expected to place additional strain on state and local governments and community organizations. Food pantries and emergency services, already facing significant demand, are likely to experience an increased burden as families turn to them for assistance. Educational institutions, from K-12 schools to colleges and universities, may also see a rise in food insecurity among students, potentially hindering their academic success. Furthermore, the economic ripple effect will be felt by hundreds of thousands of grocery stores and merchants across the country that accept SNAP payments. The USDA itself has estimated that every dollar in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity, particularly in a slowing economy.

While the federal government is responsible for funding and determining SNAP benefit amounts, states manage the program’s administration. The lawsuit argues that the USDA’s suspension of benefits is not only contrary to established law but also constitutes an arbitrary and capricious action under the Administrative Procedure Act. The coalition asserts that Congress has clearly indicated SNAP benefits should continue even during a government shutdown, and the USDA lacks the legal authority to override this directive. To address the immediate crisis, the coalition plans to file a temporary restraining order, urging the court to reinstate benefits without delay.

The states joining Maryland in this legal challenge include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Additionally, the Governors of Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania have lent their support to the coalition’s efforts.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

---