States, Tribes Mobilize Amid SNAP Risk

The federal government shutdown has put SNAP benefits at risk for millions, with some states — including Pennsylvania — warned they may not receive November benefits. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro declared a disaster, is directing $5 million to Feeding Pennsylvania, has backed a private emergency fund that raised more than $1 million, and has joined other states in litigation to compel federal SNAP funding. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared an emergency and committed $65 million to bolster food banks and hunger-relief programs. Tribal governments report acute impacts: the Cherokee Nation declared a food emergency and allocated roughly $6.5–6.7 million (including about $4.5 million for direct payments roughly equal to the state average monthly SNAP benefit of ~$185), will fund local food banks, extend WIC by a month if needed, operate a grocery-style Food Distribution Program, and open emergency payment applications via the Gadugi Portal beginning Nov. 3. Other tribes — including the Blackfeet and Standing Rock — have organized food drives, distributed meat, and warned of threats to SNAP, WIC and energy assistance, while tribal WIC offices in Nevada and leaders in Arizona and Alaska also say funds or heating subsidies could run out. States, tribes, private donors and volunteers are mobilizing emergency funds and services while legal action and federal decisions continue to determine whether contingency SNAP funding will be released.