US judge blocks USDA from cutting Minnesota food stamp funding

A federal judge has barred the U.S. Department of Agriculture from withholding about $80 million in administrative funds for Minnesota's SNAP program while the state's lawsuit proceeds, saying the agency's 30‑day review deadline was likely unlawful.

A federal judge in Minnesota ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture not to withhold about $80 million intended to administer the state's SNAP (food stamp) program. The USDA had told Minnesota to complete a review of roughly 100,000 households within 30 days and said it would stop covering half of the state's administrative costs if the review was not finished. Minnesota filed suit, arguing the deadline and funding threat were unlawful and politically motivated. The judge found the expedited deadline likely violated federal law and temporarily blocked the funding cut while the lawsuit continues. Key facts: - A federal judge blocked the USDA from withholding roughly $80 million in administrative funding for Minnesota's SNAP program pending the lawsuit's outcome. - The USDA had required a 30‑day eligibility review of about 100,000 households and said it would stop covering half of Minnesota's administrative costs if the review was not completed. - Judge Laura Provinzino said the expedited deadline was likely unlawful because federal rules limit states to reviewing SNAP eligibility no more than once a year. - Minnesota argued the action was politically motivated; the Justice Department said the state had administrative shortcomings and noted Minnesota could use state funds if federal payments were withheld. Summary: The ruling keeps administrative funding in place for now and delays the USDA's planned reduction in support for Minnesota's SNAP program. Undetermined at this time.