Multiple States Allocate Millions to Food Banks Amid SNAP Benefit Delays from Federal Shutdown

Amid the federal government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits, states are taking varied approaches to support food-insecure residents. Florida's Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is using a $38 million state program to help food banks, though this falls short of the estimated $125 million in lost federal aid; Florida Democrats urge Governor DeSantis to declare a state emergency on hunger and use reserve funds, but he resists, citing administrative challenges. In Massachusetts, Attorney General Andrea Campbell joined a multi-state lawsuit against the USDA for suspending SNAP benefits, while the state launched the United Response Fund to support food providers amid rising demand at food pantries. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro allocated $5 million to Feeding Pennsylvania to assist food banks and signed a disaster emergency declaration to accelerate aid distribution, emphasizing the need to address hunger caused by federal dysfunction. Overall, food pantries across these states are experiencing increased demand and are crucial in filling the gap left by suspended federal assistance during the shutdown.