NC AG joins other states in filing suit against USDA over SNAP suspension

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined Attorneys General from 22 other states in filing a lawsuit against the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the suspension of SNAP benefits.

"There are two specific allegations, the violation of the SNAP Act itself, as well as the Administrative Procedure Act," said Jackson during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

Over the weekend, the USDA, citing the government shutdown, stated it would not fund SNAP starting Saturday, November 1. Jackson alleged the USDA does have the funding to continue the program, but is choosing not to do so.

"Congress gave (the USDA) a $6 billion emergency fund to use in situations like this. The truth is the department is choosing not to use the emergency money that they've been given. I believe the reason they're doing that is to shut down politics. They are looking to ratchet up the pain in an already very painful moment. This is wrong and it's against the law. If Congress gives the Department money to fund a program, that department cannot refuse to fund that program. That would be the Department effectively overriding Congress, and courts have been very clear that they're not allowed to do that," said Jackson.

There are more than 40 million Americans who utilize SNAP, including about 1.4 million North Carolinians.

"We often talk about hunger in terms of numbers, how many people we serve, how many pounds of food we distribute. But behind every number is a person carrying the weight of worry," said Ron Pringle, CEO of Interfaith Food Shuttle.

Funds on EBT cards can be used after November 1st, though at this time, no new funds will be added on that date.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture has directed NCDHHS to suspend the issuance of November SNAP benefits. Every month, SNAP provides between $230 and $250 million in food benefits in our state," said Jonathan Kappler, Deputy Secretary for External Affairs and Chief of Staff for NCDHHS.

"We've also requested a temporary restraining order. So in short, we are asking the court to act with emergency speed to meet this emergency," said Jackson.

The loss of SNAP benefits can also impact the state's agriculture industry.

"It's actually a really significant part of farmers' market income. Some of our records show that 20% of sales at North Carolina farmers' markets are coming from SNAP/EBT," said Sydney Blume, Board Chair of the North Carolina Farmers Market Network.

At the heart of the government shutdown - which has now reached four weeks - are Medicaid cuts and extensions to health care tax credits, issues Democrats want included as part of any continuing resolution negotiations, while Republicans believe they should be addressed separately.

In a statement, a USDA spokesperson did not respond to the specific allegations in the lawsuit, writing:

"We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. Continue to hold out for the Far-Left wing of the party or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC and SNAP allotments."

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