In a bold move that could impact millions of vulnerable Californians, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom are taking legal action against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for suspending food benefits during the current federal shutdown.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, provides critical food support to 5.5 million state residents. However, the USDA has announced it will not distribute food stamps for November, potentially leaving millions of low-income households without essential nutrition assistance.

Bonta is challenging the USDA’s decision, arguing that the department has billions in contingency funds that could be used to maintain SNAP benefits. “In abruptly suspending SNAP, they have broken the law and left 41 million Americans uncertain about their next meal,” Bonta stated during a press conference.

The lawsuit, joined by 24 states, claims the USDA is improperly withholding funds that could support food assistance. The department, however, maintains that its additional funds are strictly designated for natural disaster relief and blames Senate Democrats for the shutdown.

Governor Newsom has been particularly critical, calling the USDA’s decision “cruel” and highlighting the additional stress this places on food banks during the holiday season. In response, California has already fast-tracked $80 million in funding to 50 food banks across the state and stands ready to deploy the National Guard to provide additional support if needed.

This legal challenge underscores the ongoing tension between state and federal governments during the current political impasse, with the most vulnerable populations potentially bearing the brunt of the conflict.

As negotiations continue and the lawsuit progresses, millions of Californians are left wondering about their next meal and the potential long-term impacts of this federal standoff.