The states argue the Trump administration should use an emergency fund for the programme, which helps about 40 million people.

The US government said funds for Snap, a benefit used by more than 40 million Americans, will stop 1 November because of the shutdown.

The Department of Agriculture has said benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will not be issued in November, claiming “the well has run dry.”

The SNAP program provides food stamps to more than 40 million Americans. The program is on the verge of running out of fund because of the government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said its hands are tied by the funding impasse in Congress.

25 states have filed a lawsuit to force the federal government to release funds for SNAP during the federal government shutdown. The USDA has refused.

The states argue the Trump administration should use an emergency fund for the programme, which helps about 40 million people.

A federal judge said the plan to suspend food aid to millions of Americans during the ongoing US government shutdown is likely unlawful.