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Florida ⁤SNAP Benefits ‌Face ⁢Potential Halt as States Sue USDA

TALLAHASSEE, FL – ‍A lawsuit filed by 28 states,‌ including Florida, is challenging the USDA’s interpretation of federal ⁣law regarding the use of contingency funds to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the ⁣event of a funding lapse.The dispute centers‌ on whether the USDA ⁣can utilize reserved funds to cover regular SNAP benefits for Fiscal Year 2026, ⁤as appropriations for the program have⁢ not been renewed.

The⁤ lawsuit argues the USDA’s claim that the contingency fund is‍ unavailable for regular benefits​ “is contrary to the​ plain⁣ text of the​ congressional appropriations law, which states that the reserves‍ are for use ‘in‌ such ‌amounts and at such times as may become necessary to carry out program operations’ ⁣under the‍ Food‍ and nutrition Act‍ of​ 2008.”

the ⁢USDA previously indicated a⁣ shutdown contingency plan existed that ‍would allow for direct payment of benefits ⁤from a reserve​ of ‌contingency funds. ⁢However, the⁢ agency warned SNAP and ⁤the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, ⁢Infants, and Children‌ (WIC) were​ in jeopardy, and the ⁤plan‍ was afterward removed ‍from its website.In a letter to USA TODAY,‍ the USDA stated the contingency ⁣money is ⁤only intended “to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits.”

Impact on Floridians:

Approximately‌ 2.98 million‌ floridians -⁢ 12.7% of the state’s ⁢population – relied on SNAP benefits​ during fiscal year ⁤2024, according to USAFacts. This is⁤ slightly higher than​ the national average of⁤ 12.3%, representing roughly 42 million Americans.

What This ⁢Means for recipients:

* ⁢ Existing Funds: Individuals currently‍ receiving ⁤SNAP benefits in Florida⁤ can continue to use existing funds on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards ‍in November.
* ‍ Applications: The florida Department of Children and‍ Families will⁢ continue to ‍process SNAP​ applications​ as ‍usual. recipients⁣ are advised‍ not to resubmit applications, as ⁣this coudl delay processing.
* ‌ Renewals: Renewal requirements remain in effect, and recipients ‌should complete renewal notices when due.

Past ⁢Shutdowns:

During the 2018-2019 federal government ​shutdown, the USDA paid February benefits early, ​in January, ​and Congress ultimately passed‍ emergency⁤ funding ⁣to ensure continued payments‍ in March.

This is a‍ developing story and ⁢will be⁤ updated as more data becomes available.