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Arizona Attorney General Sues USDA Over SNAP Benefits Suspension

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the federal government shutdown continues, more than 900,000 Arizonans are facing a severe crisis: their access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is being suspended. This move, made without a valid reason, has put a significant strain on the state's vulnerable populations, including seniors, veterans, and working families with children. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is taking action to stop the USDA's unlawful decision, co-leading a coalition of attorneys general and governors in a lawsuit against the federal agency.

Key Takeaways:

  • The USDA's decision to suspend SNAP benefits affects over 900,000 Arizonans, including nearly 30,000 veterans and over 4,600 retailers who accept SNAP payments.
  • The suspension of SNAP benefits will have dire consequences for the health and well-being of millions across the country, particularly children, seniors, and vulnerable populations.
  • The USDA has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds, but has refused to use them to fund the program.
  • Suspending SNAP benefits will also harm the hundreds of thousands of grocers and merchants who accept SNAP payment for food purchases, causing a significant economic impact.
  • The federal government funds and sets the monthly amount of SNAP benefits, but states are responsible for administering programs in their state. Suspending SNAP benefits in this manner is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • The USDA has estimated that in a slowing economy, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity.
  • According to the USDA, 12% of Arizonans receive SNAP benefits, and about 40% of SNAP benefits in Arizona go to feeding children.
  • The lawsuit will also be filing a temporary restraining order later today asking the court to immediately turn benefits back on.

Statistics:

  • Over 900,000 Arizonans face a crisis due to the suspension of SNAP benefits.
  • Nearly 30,000 Arizona veterans rely on SNAP to buy groceries each month.
  • Over 4,600 Arizona retailers accept SNAP payments.
  • The USDA has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds.
  • Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity, according to the USDA.
  • 12% of Arizonans receive SNAP benefits.
  • 40% of SNAP benefits in Arizona go to feeding children.

Sources:

  • Release from the office of the Arizona Attorney General (no date)
  • USDA Letter to state SNAP agencies (October 10, 2025)
  • Arizona Attorney General's Press Release (exact date not specified in the original text)

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