Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with attorneys general from 22 other states and the District of Columbia, has requested information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding plans for federal nutrition programs as a potential government shutdown threatens funding.
The group sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Ronald Ward, Acting Associate Administrator for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), after receiving notice that funds for key nutrition initiatives could run out by November 1, 2025. The letter expresses concern about the possible interruption of support for children, seniors, and veterans who rely on these programs.
In New Jersey, almost one million residents—including children, veterans, and senior citizens—depend on SNAP and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program for food assistance.
“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,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Since the money is available to continue paying these benefits without any interruption, I can’t help but wonder what the true motivation is here for literally taking food away from our most vulnerable citizens.”
On October 10, 2025, USDA notified state agencies that if appropriations are not restored soon, there will not be enough funds to pay full November SNAP benefits to approximately 42 million individuals nationwide. The agency also directed states to delay sending their November benefit files to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors until further notice.
The attorneys general note that while USDA does have authority under certain circumstances to reduce or suspend SNAP benefits, the October 10 letter did not specify any legal basis or reasoning for this action. They also point out that USDA has access to at least $6 billion in contingency reserve funds allocated by Congress for emergencies such as this one. The coalition argues these resources should be used before directing states to halt scheduled payments.
They further mention that Section 32 funds could potentially be used to provide SNAP benefits during a shutdown period.
The attorneys general warn that following through with this directive could negatively impact millions of Americans who depend on SNAP benefits. Even a short-term delay could have serious consequences for both recipients and the broader economy. National data shows that in fiscal year 2023 nearly 40% of SNAP beneficiaries were children under age 18; adults aged 60 or older accounted for another 20%.
In their letter, the attorneys general ask USDA several questions about contingency funding sources and plans for continuing benefits distribution if appropriations are not renewed by October 27.
Attorney General Platkin’s co-signatories include officials from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin, Washington State and the District of Columbia.
