Multiple US States Declare Emergencies to Fund Food Aid Amid SNAP Funding Expiry

Several U.S. states and counties are declaring emergencies and allocating state and local funds to sustain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid a looming federal government shutdown that threatens to halt federal food assistance starting November 1. Delaware Governor Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency to fund SNAP weekly during the shutdown and is calling the legislature back to address the issue. Florida Democrats are urging Governor Ron DeSantis to similarly declare an emergency and use state funds to support nearly 3 million residents dependent on SNAP. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced a $6 million emergency payment plan for families and additional funding for food banks, criticizing the Trump administration for failing to maintain federal SNAP funding. Napa County, California, declared a local emergency and approved $1 million from tobacco settlement funds to provide grocery gift cards to approximately 6,600 households reliant on SNAP benefits, highlighting the high number of children and seniors impacted. These actions reflect widespread concern over the suspension of federal food aid and efforts by local governments to prevent food insecurity during the shutdown.