Multiple US States Declare Emergencies Over SNAP Funding Risks Amid Federal Shutdown

Several U.S. states and tribal nations have declared states of emergency due to the potential lapse in SNAP benefits amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers both issued executive orders to allocate state funds and direct agencies to support food banks and enforce price gouging laws to aid residents reliant on SNAP, which includes many children. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council declared an emergency and authorized culling bison and cattle to distribute food directly to tribal members facing shortages. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon declared a Public Welfare Emergency, allocating $10 million to ensure food access and proposing restrictions on SNAP purchases to exclude low-nutrition items, aiming to promote healthier eating while awaiting federal funding resolution. These actions reflect widespread concern over the impact of the SNAP funding pause on vulnerable populations and the efforts by state and tribal leaders to mitigate food insecurity during the shutdown.