FRANKFORT, KY (WMDJ) — Governor Andy Beshear has joined leaders from 24 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging the Trump administration’s decision to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The suspension would halt November benefit payments for more than 40 million Americans, including nearly 600,000 Kentuckians. SNAP provides grocery assistance to low-income families to help them afford food.

According to the administration’s notice, the United States Department of Agriculture says the program will remain on hold until additional federal funding is approved. However, state officials say the USDA still has access to contingency funds that could keep the program running.

For now, Kentucky SNAP recipients can continue using existing benefits as normal. Updates will be shared through the Department for Community Based Services website, Self-Service Portal accounts, and official DCBS alerts.