The government shutdown is halting a critical federal food assistance program that serves 15% of Arizona’s residents, according to the latest state figures.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is allocating $1.8 million to mitigate the potential suspension of SNAP funding due to the government shutdown.

That’s the stark possibility driving Arizona to join 24 other states in suing the Trump administration over its decision to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in November during the ongoing federal shutdown.

Arizona and 24 other states has sued the Trump administration for "unlawfully suspending" SNAP food assistance during the government shutdown.

Arizona joined a multistate lawsuit seeking to prevent the Trump administration from suspending SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

Gov. Katie Hobbs is launching a temporary state program, "Food Bucks Now," to provide a short-term lifeline for affected families.

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