Some states have confirmed they are using state funds to pay SNAP benefits or to help food banks.
States across the U.S. are stepping up to help SNAP recipients as the federal government confirms that benefits will not be paid in November until the government shutdown ends. Why It Matters Tens of millions of Americans will not be paid their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on time due to a lack of funding authority, which needs to come from Congress.
Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have failed to reach a deal to fund the federal government since October 1. “Bottom line, the well has run dry,” a notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reads. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.” The USDA has confirmed it will not be using $5 billion in contingency funds to keep the program running without a government funding deal. Nationwide, of the nearly 42 million people receiving SNAP benefits, more than 62 percent live in households with children, 37 percent include older adults or people with disabilities, and over 38 percent are part of working families, according to the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. What To Know A small handful of states have confirmed they are using state funds to either keep funding SNAP benefits or to issue help to networks that assist with providing food to needy Americans. Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin has said SNAP benefits will continue to be paid in spite of the lack of USDA funding. “The Commonwealth will provide food benefits until Congressional Democrats put the interests of Virginians in need ahead of their politics,” he said in a press release issued on October 23. Louisiana has also confirmed it will continue paying SNAP benefits using state funds, but only until November 4. While declaring a state of emergency last week, Governor Jeff Landry requested funds to pay SNAP benefits from October 24 to November 4. In California, which has the largest number of SNAP recipients in the country, Governor Gavin Newsom has confirmed the state is fast-tracking $80 million in funds for food banks, and that the National Guard may also be used to distribute food to those in need. A similar move has been made in Colorado, with Governor Jared Polis confirming he has requested the state legislature use $10 million from the state’s general fund to support food banks. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico have both confirmed similar plans. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has said $30 million in state funds will be used “to support over 16 million meals” for Empire State SNAP recipients. The USDA has said it will not reimburse states that use their own money to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the shutdown. What People Are Saying Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said: “The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting November 1, 2025. I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as ‘leverage’ by Congressional Democrats. I am declaring a State of Emergency due to the Democrat Shutdown to protect hungry Virginians in need.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul: “I am doing everything in my power to soften the blow of the destruction Republicans in Washington are inflicting on our state. While I’ve said repeatedly that no state can backfill these devastating cuts, I am committed to ensuring New Yorkers do not go hungry this holiday season and am taking action to support the families suffering the consequences of Republicans’ cruelty. Republicans in Congress voted to rip health care and vital services from millions of New Yorkers and my administration and the people of New York will continue holding them accountable.” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham: “The federal government’s refusal to pay for SNAP benefits in November is unconscionable — and the absurdity doesn’t end there. For New Mexico that’s 460,000 people in our state — 21 percent of our population, the highest participation rate in the nation. The federal government has abandoned its responsibility to feed families. “The best way to solve this crisis is for Congress to end this shutdown and do its job.” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said: “I urge those who are able bodied to continue to strive to get off SNAP and similar programs. Due to the Democrat’s political games these programs are not reliable. I encourage our citizens to seek the thousands of new job opportunities across our State, and free themselves from these social programs that the Left uses as a weaponization tool to win political points.” What Happens Next SNAP benefits will not be paid until the government shutdown ends. Are you a SNAP recipient worried about not getting benefits in November? How do you feel about the ongoing government shutdown? Get in touch at a.higham@newsweek.com
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