Funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to roughly half a million Nevadans, is at risk if the federal government shutdown continues past November 1. Continuing the program would require approximately $90 million per month in federal funds.

Governor Joe Lombardo has said that using state funds to continue SNAP benefits is not a viable option, as federal law prohibits states from issuing SNAP benefits with state dollars and later seeking federal reimbursement.

In response, Attorney General Aaron Ford has joined a coalition of more than 20 state attorneys general in a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s decision to allow this critical funding to lapse. The legal action underscores the urgent need to protect access to food assistance for Nevada’s most vulnerable families during the shutdown.