National Council of Nonprofits and Coalition Sue to Protect Food Security for Millions

Strategic Insights -

As the Trump Administration refuses to use available funds to maintain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, a coalition of local governments, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and workers' rights organizations has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The lawsuit challenges the administration's unlawful suspension of SNAP, which threatens to cut off essential food support to over 42 million people, including children, seniors, and veterans, beginning November 1.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Council of Nonprofits, along with a coalition of local governments, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and workers' rights organizations, filed a lawsuit against the Trump-Vance administration for suspending SNAP benefits despite available funds.
  • The lawsuit argues that the administration's actions violate federal law and the Administrative Procedure Act, putting millions of people at risk of hunger.
  • The coalition includes 14 municipalities, 11 charitable and faith-based nonprofit organizations, 2 business organizations, and 1 union organization.
  • The case details how the administration's actions will inflict immediate and irreparable harm on families and communities across the country, forcing families to skip meals and overwhelming food pantries.
  • The lawsuit asks the court to order the USDA to resume November benefits, protect the SNAP program itself, and halt the premature termination of SNAP work requirement waivers in affected states.

Statistics:

  • Over 42 million people, including children, seniors, and veterans, will be at risk of losing SNAP benefits beginning November 1.
  • SNAP has long served as the nation's first line of defense against hunger and has helped stabilize local economies during crises.
  • The Trump-Vance administration has directed states to withhold benefits and dismantled established safeguards without authority, justification, or notice.
  • The coalition of plaintiffs includes 15 organizations and municipalities from across the country, representing a wide range of interests and sectors.

Sources:

  • https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/pressreleases/national-council-nonprofits-and-nationwide-coalition-sue-protect-food-security (Original text)
  • National Council of Nonprofits (original release date: Nov. 1)