A federal judge in Boston has challenged the Trump administration's argument that SNAP benefits could be suspended for the first time in the food aid program's history because of the government shutdown.
During a hearing over a request by 25 Democratic-led states, including Nevada, to keep the funding rolling, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani told lawyers that if the government can't afford to cover the program, there's a process to follow rather than simply suspending all benefits. “The steps involve finding an equitable way of reducing benefits," said Talwani, who was nominated to the court by former President Barack Obama.
She said she expects to issue a ruling later Thursday.
Much of the hearing revolved around what Congress intended to do when the agency runs out of money for the program. Talwani pushed back against the Trump administration's argument that suspending the benefits was the best option, saying that using emergency funds for benefits, albeit reduced, seemed to make the most sense.
“It’s hard for me to understand that this is not an emergency when there is no money and a lot of people are needing their SNAP benefits,” she said.
Plaintiffs also argued that more than 100,000 merchants in their states that rely on SNAP recipients would be harmed, especially around Thanksgiving.
Lawyers for the federal government argued that the plaintiffs want the SNAP benefits to be dispersed in full, which would be “a blatant violation of the Antideficiency Act, a criminal statute that forbids the United States from making such an obligation without an appropriation.”
To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a family of four's net income can't exceed the federal poverty line, which is about $31,000 per year. Last year, SNAP provided assistance to 41 million people, nearly two-thirds of whom were families with children, according to the lawsuit.
Meanwhile, Nevada is poised to dole out millions of dollars in funding.
Governor Joe Lombardo and other state leaders are asking for $30 million to help hungry families in Nevada as SNAP benefits could expire this weekend.
The state board of examiners agreed to move the money from the interim finance committee's contingency fund.
At Wednesday's meeting, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada said it's boosting its efforts in rural communities to help hungry people. "Our reach will be far, and we're trying to ensure every neighbor that needs access to food knows where to get it," says Nicole Lamboley, President and CEO, Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
The board also recommended approving $200,000 for the National Guard to help distribute food.
Now the committee will have to give final approval to use the money later on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Nevada Speaker Steve Yeager called for the use of all available state resources to ensure that state SNAP recipients continue to receive assistance to purchase food.
The speaker also gave praise to the people working to help people in need.
“I applaud those in the Executive and Legislature who are working hard on a plan to distribute additional food through Nevada’s food banks. I applaud Attorney General Ford for pursuing all legal avenues against the federal administration, and I applaud Treasurer Conine for thinking outside the box on potential solutions, but we must do more.”
He then also directed comments towards the GOP Federal Administration.
“This is no time to pussyfoot around or to mollycoddle Trump’s Federal Administration that prides itself on being above the law. This GOP Federal Administration would be wise to remember that its power derives from the states and that it cannot tell Nevada what to do when it comes to feeding our own citizens.”
He also said, “Other states, some led by Republicans, others led by Democrats, are directly funding SNAP benefits for their citizens. Nevada should do the same. I don’t intend to take no for a F****ing answer.”
Nevada Assemblymember Elaine Marzola, Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, also says the government has the responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of its citizens.
"Losing SNAP benefits will mean that 500,000 Nevadans, many of them children, will go without food on their kitchen table. That is unacceptable. SNAP beneficiaries include employed hard-working Nevadans who live paycheck to paycheck and have trouble making ends meet.
The assemblymember also added, "They are our friends, family, and neighbors who are entitled to dignity, respect, and the ability to provide for their families. We must act to help them in this time of great need.”
Attorney General Ford said a hearing is scheduled for Thursday on a lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture over SNAP benefits. If a court stops benefits from being cut off, the $30 million would not need to be used.
“I voted for this funding today, but let's be clear, this is a Band-Aid and kids are still going to struggle to be fed,” said Attorney General Ford. “That’s why I’m suing the Trump Administration to use existing funds to fully fund the SNAP program. Nevada families shouldn't be left in limbo, and kids shouldn’t be going hungry.”
Yesterday, Attorney General Ford announced that he has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for arbitrarily planning to suspend SNAP benefits. SNAP helps more than 40 million Americans, including nearly 500,000 Nevadans, buy food. In filing the lawsuit, Attorney General Ford joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors.
Republican leaders in Congress on Wednesday said it’s all or nothing as they rejected a Democratic push for a temporary fix.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said that SNAP benefits have never stopped during previous government shutdowns and urged quick passage of the funding bill.
“It’s simple, it’s moral, it’s urgent,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he called for passage of the SNAP funding on Wednesday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., angrily objected to the Democratic request, calling it “a cynical attempt to provide political cover” for Democrats to continue the shutdown, now in its 29th day.
“We’re not going to let them pick winners and losers," Thune said. "It’s time to fund everybody."
If Democrats want to prevent damage from the shutdown, “they can end the shutdown,” Thune said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) objected to a request to pass a SNAP benefit bill by unanimous request on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon.
In a press conference, House Democrats called on Trump to return from his trip to Asia to address the issue.
“If the president wanted to help feed hungry American children, he would,” said Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee that handles the food aid program. “I’m calling on the president to get back from Asia and do the right thing — and the moral thing."
As Republicans objected to the legislation to continue SNAP benefits, Democrats said they'd also support a similar bill from Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who has separate legislation to immediately fund the program.
But Thune said Republicans won't allow a piecemeal process. He called on Democrats to support their bill to extend all government funding and reopen the government.
“If Democrats really want to fund SNAP and WIC, we have a bill for them,” he said.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) is sponsoring two bills – one led by Democrats, the other led by Republicans – to ensure that families still have access to SNAP if the government shutdown stretches beyond the end of the month.
“I’ve made my position clear: shutting down the government only serves to harm hardworking Americans, and I am against using the lives of Nevadans as political bargaining chips,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “But as long as we are in this position, I demand that the Trump administration use the tools at its disposal to make sure Nevada families don’t go hungry.”
The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 was led by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). It would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to immediately release the funds that Congress has already appropriated in contingency funds to keep food assistance funded during the shutdown. The Keep SNAP Funded Act, led by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), would appropriate funding for SNAP, providing uninterrupted SNAP benefits without the need for contingency funds.
You can read the bill text below -
Meanwhile, two food drives are happening this Friday to support Nevadans struggling during the government shutdown.
You can donate in both Reno and Carson City from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is teaming up with Catholic Charities to offer four different distribution events to help people who may be affected during the government shutdown.
Food will be distributed this Saturday, November 1 from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.
At the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, the pick-up will be in the form of a drive-up and a walk-up option for people without vehicles.
Catholic Charities will also have three locations at the Moana Neighborhood Center, Sun Valley Neighborhood Center, and the St. Rose of Lima Church location.
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada is also offering a free hot dinner at St. Vincent’s Dining Room, located at 325 Valley Road in Reno, this Nevada Day weekend.
Dinners will be served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., and will continue every Saturday and Sunday evening through the end of November. Guests are asked to bring their EBT card and a photo ID to verify eligibility for the dinner meal. Meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
As a reminder, St. Vincent’s Dining Room remains open daily, serving lunch to all who are hungry from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 365 days a year.
Amid SNAP Uncertainty, Local Grocery Chains Step Up
Adding to state and nonprofit efforts, The Save Mart Companies launched its “Right By You” Affordability Promise on October 29, aimed at easing food costs for families in California and Nevada. The initiative includes 12 programs across two themes: Food Affordability and Food Access. Key measures include discounted holiday meals (under $6 per person for Thanksgiving and Christmas), 50% off select meat and produce, expanded Flashfood deals on near-expiration items, free November grocery delivery (subject to availability), and military discounts.
The program also strengthens community support: shoppers can donate $5 or $10 pantry packs to local food banks, with Save Mart and partner Keurig Dr Pepper matching donations up to $120,000. The initiative is designed to meet families “where they are,” providing both immediate price relief and access to essential food items, resources particularly critical as SNAP benefits face potential delays due to the federal government shutdown.
Other resources include:
Nevada 2-1-1 (Statewide Food Assistance Resource)
Overview: Free, confidential, statewide service connecting residents to food assistance programs, pantries, meals, SNAP/EBT support, and other essential resources.
How to Access:
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-535-5654 (toll-free).
Text your ZIP code to 898-211 for location-specific assistance.
Visit the Food Services Finder online to locate nearby pantries, emergency food programs, senior meals, and more.
Website: nevada211.org/food-services
Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN)
Overview: Central hub distributing food to pantries and running mobile-community programs. Serves all ages, with emphasis on fresh produce and staples. No ID required for most distributions; first-time visitors complete a brief intake form (confidential.
- Mobile Harvest: Weekly drive-thru distributions of fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples. Open to all; one visit per household, per week. Arrive one hour early.
- Schedule: Download PDF at www.fbnn.org/gethelp for Washoe County locations (e.g., parks, schools, community centers in Reno/Sparks).
- Neighborhood Pantries: Over 70 partner sites (churches, schools, community centers), offering grocery bags. Hours vary; full list with schedules at fbnn.org/gethelp/neighborhoodpantry.
- Senior Nutrition & Wellness (SNW, formerly CSFP): Monthly boxes of staples for low-income seniors 60+. The income level for one person is $1,957 and for 2 people it is $2,644. Requires proof of income, NV residency, and photo ID. Annual certification in July.
- Schedule (October/November 2025): Washoe County PDF.
- Produce on Wheels: Fresh produce for seniors 60+. Same eligibility as SNW.
- Schedule: Washoe County PDF.
- Kids Café: Free meals (breakfast/lunch) for kids up to age 18 at ~20 sites (e.g., after-school programs, schools). Parents must show child ID or provide name/age. Check fbnn.org/gethelp/foodfinder for locations.
- TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance Program): USDA commodities at select pantries for income-eligible households (limits similar to SNW).
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is helping families access food resources by donating 3,000 two-ride adult bus passes to the Washoe County School District.
With many households facing depleted SNAP benefits, the passes will enable families to reach food pantries, community meal sites, and other essential services. RTC and the school district are working together to ensure transportation is not a barrier to basic needs, emphasizing that public transit can be a critical lifeline for those in need. Read the full story here.
Earlier this week, the USDA posted a notice on its homepage saying that federal food aid will not go out on November 1.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA notice says. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.” Nationally, the SNAP program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries.
The federal shutdown, which began Oct. 1, is now the second-longest on record.
Nevada and 20+ other states are suing the USDA and its secretary over threats to suspend SNAP benefits amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The program helps more than 40 million Americans, including nearly 500,000 Nevadans, buy food.
On Monday, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo released an updated fact sheet on possible impacts from the shutdown. (which you can read below)
Lombardo directed the Governor’s Finance Office, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Agriculture to implement the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan, which will secure supplemental resources for SNAP beneficiaries in the event the shutdown extends beyond October 31.
The State will fund the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan with $38.8 million of state dollars through $30.2 of the IFC Contingency Fund and through emergency work programs totaling $8.6 million.
The Governor’s Finance Office has requested a $30 million allocation to fund the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan from the Interim Finance Committee.
The Office of the Military has requested $200,000 from the Interim Finance Committee for the deployment of the Nevada National Guard to assist with the food distribution of the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan.
The Interim Finance Committee will convene on Thursday, October 30 to consider the request.
Another program that helps more than 6 million low-income mothers, young children, and expectant parents purchase nutritious staples, like baby formula, will likely run out of funds the following week. Earlier this month, WIC received a $300 million infusion from the Trump administration, but those funds are running out, too.
The governor's office says he is dedicated to ensuring that the 55,000+ participants of Nevada’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program continue to have access to food benefits. To support that direction, the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, in partnership with the Nevada Office of Emergency Management, requested $7.3 million in emergency funding to support WIC.
The funding was approved by the Nevada Board of Examiners on October 14 and the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) on October 16. The funding will ensure continued food benefits for participants statewide, including pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, through December 23, 2025, regardless of federal funding. Funds will be distributed weekly and only used if the USDA does not provide additional WIC food funding.
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada is calling on the public for baby formula donations as families face growing uncertainty surrounding WIC benefits.
The organization is requesting both soy- and milk-based formulas to support infants who could be affected by potential reductions in federal funding.
The organization is accepting all brands and types of unopened, unexpired baby formula.
Donations can be dropped off daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at any Catholic Charities donation center, including St. Vincent’s Thrift Store and Super Thrift.
Locations are listed online at https://ccsnn.org/pages/thrift-stores.
Donations can also be made through the Amazon Wish List at https://tinyurl.com/5n7s2kuu.
Food pantries provide about 1 meal to every 9 provided by SNAP, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. They get the food they distribute through donations from people, businesses and some farmers. They also get food from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and sometimes buy food with contributions and grant funding.
“The Trump Administration’s choice to cut SNAP benefits is not only a deliberate, cruel, and extraordinarily harmful decision, it is unlawful. And the reason it cites — the ongoing federal government shutdown — is inadequate,” said Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford. “Contingency funds exist for this exact scenario, yet the USDA has decided to abdicate its responsibility to Nevadans and refused to fund SNAP benefits. I understand the stress of not knowing where your next meal is coming from, because I've lived it. I don't wish that stress on any Nevadan, and I'll fight to be sure nobody in our state goes hungry. I urge Governor Lombardo to do the same and to work with his party and President Trump to ensure that Nevadans receive their SNAP benefits.”
LEADER CANNIZZARO STATEMENT ON AG FORD’S SNAP
Today, Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro released the following statement in support of Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford’s lawsuit against the Trump administration to reverse the administration's decision to stop paying SNAP benefits. In the last few days, the Trump administration abruptly changed federal SNAP guidance and announced it would not use available contingency funds to continue to pay benefits after the end of this month.
"I fully support Attorney General Ford's lawsuit against the Trump administration's cruel decision to let SNAP benefits lapse for 500,000 Nevadans, and I commend him for continually stepping up to hold the administration accountable on behalf of Nevadans. To be clear, the administration is making an intentional choice to let SNAP contingency funds sit unspent while millions of American families face going hungry. Republicans should step up and demand that the Trump administration release these funds - as they planned to do just a few weeks ago - and keep food on the table for Nevada families."
Previously, Governor Lombardo responded to suggestions that state funds could be used to support SNAP.
In a statement directly addressing Nevada Congressional Representatives Steven Horsford, Dina Titus, and Susie Lee, the Governor said the proposed solution is not viable.
“The USDA has made clear that states cannot use their own dollars to fund federal SNAP benefits, even on a temporary basis, and cannot share SNAP household data with vendors to do so,” said Governor Lombardo in a statement.
On Oct. 1, 2025, the new federal fiscal year began without an appropriation by Congress to fund the federal government, creating a government shutdown. On Oct. 10, USDA sent a letter to state SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for the approximately 42 million individuals across the country who rely on them.
Joining Attorney General Ford in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Governors of Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania have also joined.
You can read the lawsuit below -
(Office of Nevada Attorney General and Governor's Office, USDA, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.)
