Student Defense Statement on Temporary Restraining Order on the USDA’s Access to Individual SNAP Data from 21 States

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2025

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Student Defense Statement on Temporary Restraining Order on the USDA’s Access to Individual SNAP Data from 21 States

Student Defense President Aaron Ament issued a statement today in response to a federal judge’s decision to grant a temporary restraining order, blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from withholding funds from the plaintiff states for refusing to comply with the agency’s unlawful demand for data from participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“It’s hard to concentrate on coursework when you’re worried about where your next meal will come from. Students should not have to worry about their security and misuse of their personal data when applying for food benefits. Today’s victory by 21 states is an important confirmation that this collection by USDA is unlawful.”

The National Student Legal Defense Network (Student Defense), Protect Democracy, and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) are representing plaintiffs in a parallel case filed by students, SNAP recipients, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, and the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), also serving as counsel in the case. The group is challenging the same demand from USDA for states and third-party vendors to turn over the personal data of tens of millions of Americans who receive help buying food through SNAP). That case is ongoing.