Summary
Fourteen U.S. states are responding to a halt in federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits due to a government shutdown. This includes New York, which declared a state of emergency and allocated state funds to help those losing food assistance. Throughout the country, states are trying to find ways to support residents who depend on these benefits.
Key Facts
- 14 states have announced funding for food banks or direct financial help due to a SNAP benefit halt.
- New York declared a state of emergency because 2.9 million residents are losing SNAP benefits.
- 42 million people in the U.S. could lose nutrition assistance if the federal shutdown continues.
- States like Delaware, Rhode Island, and Virginia also declared emergencies and allocated funds.
- New York committed $65 million for emergency food assistance and is deploying service corps members to help.
- The Agriculture Department cannot use contingency funds for SNAP during the shutdown.
- Some states worry about not being reimbursed if they use emergency funds to cover SNAP gaps.
- California Governor Newsom announced state support but did not declare a state of emergency.
