Wed Oct 29 09:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version in the style of a news article:

Summary:

Half of U.S. states are suing the Trump administration over its plan to halt funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting over 40 million low-income Americans. The states want the administration to use a $6 billion emergency contingency fund. The USDA argues the money might be needed for emergencies and blames Democrats for the funding shortfall, while states warn of devastating consequences for public health and well-being due to food insecurity. Even using the contingency fund would only cover a portion of the benefits. States are scrambling to find alternative solutions, including using state funds and deploying the National Guard, but some states lack the resources to fully compensate for the loss of federal funding. The lawsuit is taking place amidst a government shutdown, further exacerbating the situation.

News Article:

States Sue Trump Administration Over SNAP Funding Halt, Millions Face Hunger

Washington, D.C. – A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia is suing the Trump administration in an effort to force the release of emergency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. The lawsuit comes as the USDA plans to halt SNAP funding, potentially impacting over 40 million low-income Americans and causing the program to run out of money in November.

At the center of the dispute is a roughly $6 billion contingency fund that the states argue should be used to prevent a disruption in benefits. However, the USDA has refused to release the funds, citing concerns about needing the money for future emergencies like natural disasters.

The states, led by Democratic attorneys general, argue that the administration’s refusal to use the contingency funds is unlawful and will have devastating consequences for public health. “Shutting off SNAP benefits will cause deterioration of public health and well-being,” the lawsuit states, highlighting the link between food insecurity and negative health outcomes, particularly in children.

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a strongly worded statement, accusing President Trump of “denying food to millions of Americans” and lacking “basic humanity.”

The USDA has countered by blaming Democrats for the funding shortfall, accusing them of prioritizing “the Far-Left wing of the party” over the needs of vulnerable populations. The agency said Democrats must reopen the government so families can receive WIC and SNAP allotments.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that even if the contingency fund were used, it would only cover about 60% of one month’s worth of SNAP benefits. The average family of four receives $715 per month through SNAP, which translates to less than $6 per day per person for food.

With the possibility of SNAP benefits running dry, states are scrambling to find solutions. Some have pledged to use state funds to cover the shortfall, but the federal government has warned they will not be reimbursed. Massachusetts, where one million people are expected to lose benefits, has stated it does not have enough money to make up for the lack of funds. California is deploying its National Guard to help distribute food.

The lawsuit comes as the US government shutdown continues.

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