The lawsuit argues the USDA is legally required to continue providing SNAP benefits during the shutdown as long as it has funding.

Gov. Walz announced state funding Monday to help Minnesotans who receive monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

On Oct. 10, the USDA sent a letter to SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay for November.

DCYF sent an email to Minnesota’s 87 counties and 11 tribal nations earlier this week, laying out a timeline that appears to taper off the distribution of benefits.

The Agriculture Department said it can't use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits, contradicting earlier guidance that the money was available.

SNAP food benefits are set to run out on Friday if the government shutdown continues, and it would impact about half a million Nevadans.