WASHINGTON — A joint lawsuit between D.C., Maryland, and 24 other states aims to keep families from losing SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown.

The lawsuit was announced on Monday by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. It includes 22 other attorneys general and three governors who want SNAP benefits restored.

"141,000 DC residents rely on SNAP to afford meals — including 47,000 children and 24,000 seniors," said Schwalb on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We will do everything we can to prevent DC families from going hungry."

Schwalb says that halting SNAP benefits will not just impact families but also 400 local businesses in D.C. that provide food to the community.

"Many of these stores are small businesses already operating on thin margins. If SNAP revenue is eliminated, they

See Full Page