As the ongoing government shutdown continues, states are implementing last-minute strategies to keep food accessible for their residents, especially with federal food benefits set to be halted after October 31.
The USDA has declared it will stop Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning Saturday, primarily due to a lack of action from the Trump administration to utilize reserve funds. However, recent court rulings have changed the narrative.
On Friday, two federal judges mandated the White House to access emergency resources to ensure SNAP remains operational.
Shortly after, President Trump announced on Truth Social that it would be an “honor” to fund SNAP, provided there’s proper legal guidance. Yet, he pointed out that “our government lawyers do not believe that we have the legal authority to disburse the specific funds available to SNAP.”
Currently, about one in eight Americans—roughly 42 million—depend on monthly SNAP benefits. Attempts by lawmakers to secure ongoing funding did not achieve the necessary backing.
With the clock ticking and uncertainty around White House decisions, many states are hurriedly finding ways to ensure food assistance continues in the interim.
Emergency situation
States like California, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, and West Virginia are directing emergency resources to food banks and SNAP beneficiaries in anticipation of the benefit suspension.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) declared a state of emergency to provide additional state-level funds for food assistance, stating, “Unlike Republicans in Washington, I will not stand by as families struggle to put food on the table.” She emphasized the need for federal intervention, noting millions depend on these resources.
However, there are limitations; no state can fully replace federal SNAP benefits. In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced a $30 million aid package for SNAP recipients, but it will only last until November 10.
Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry (R) declared a state of emergency extending until November 4, emphasizing a Republican viewpoint that encourages limiting safety net programs.
He urged capable individuals to disengage from SNAP, labeling these programs as politically manipulated tools.
California’s Governor Newsom (D) employed the National Guard to assist food banks and expedited $80 million in state funds. California is among over 20 states challenging the Trump administration’s decision not to fund SNAP during the shutdown.
Community-led efforts
Food banks nationwide are bracing for an increase in demand, with many reporting heightened activity as the deadline approaches. Governors are directing funding toward these banks in preparation for the benefits’ expiration.
“We donated about 5,000 pounds of food in two days,” noted Craig Gordy of the Oskaloosa Food Pantry in Iowa. “Under normal circumstances, we’d contribute only about 300 or 400 pounds. People are stocking up knowing that SNAP isn’t coming.”
In Seattle, plans are in place to allocate up to $4 million monthly to food banks until SNAP is reinstated.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had previously mentioned that billionaire George Soros might step in to fund SNAP through November. Recently, it was revealed that billionaire Mark Cuban is also contributing to Pennsylvania’s food relief initiatives.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) highlighted that Cuban collaborated with various stakeholders to make this donation.
“Each of these people stepped up in the first hours of our campaign to feed the people of Pennsylvania, on top of the private or public funds we are releasing,” Shapiro remarked.
Major companies are joining the effort as well. Food delivery service DoorDash announced it would waive merchant fees for food banks and service charges for SNAP grocery orders.
Countries whose plans have stalled
As of Friday, prior to President Trump’s statement, some states had yet to finalize their plans for continuing food assistance.
Oklahoma Human Services confirmed last week that SNAP benefits would cease starting November 1. They advised households relying on SNAP to secure their EBT cards to prevent electronic theft, noting that stolen funds would not be refunded.
Oklahoma officials announced that a vote would occur on Monday regarding a potential weekly donation of $1 million to local food banks.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R) stated that this funding would come from the state’s $7.8 million emergency fund.
Similarly, Mississippi informed over 350,000 SNAP beneficiaries that they wouldn’t receive benefits in November if their SNAP funds lapsed. Governor Tate Reeves (R-Mississippi) acknowledged the state’s inability to intervene effectively, saying, “Unfortunately, there is no easy way for state governments to step in and pay for the hundreds of millions of dollars in damage that this government shutdown by Washington Democrats is causing.”
