Colorado has joined 24 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Secretary, Brooke Rollins, over the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which help more than 40 million Americans buy food each month.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized the stakes for families in the state: “This is about protecting vulnerable families in Colorado from going hungry during a government shutdown. USDA has billions available for emergencies — denying SNAP benefits is both unlawful and unconscionable.”

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, alleges the USDA halted SNAP benefits despite Congress having approved billions in contingency funds for emergencies. The complaint names the USDA and the Office of Management and Budget as defendants, claiming violations of federal law and the Administrative Procedure Act.

“For Colorado families, seniors, and children, SNAP is a lifeline,” Weiser said. “Interrupting benefits puts health, education, and public safety at risk and threatens small businesses that rely on these sales.”

The USDA ordered states on October 24 to suspend all November SNAP benefit allotments until further notice, citing insufficient funding. The coalition of states argues this move defies decades of precedent: SNAP benefits have continued during every previous government shutdown, with available funds used to prevent hunger.

The lawsuit highlights billions of dollars available in emergency accounts, including the $23 billion “Section 32” fund, which has been tapped for programs like WIC but not for SNAP. Colorado’s participation demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring access to essential food assistance.

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