Multiple States Declare Emergencies, National Guard Deployment as SNAP Food Assistance Faces Nationwide Freeze Impacting 42 Million

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), relied upon by approximately 42 million Americans, faces a suspension starting November 1 due to a federal government shutdown, prompting several states to declare emergencies and take action. President Trump has instructed legal efforts to clarify funding for SNAP amid delays caused by the shutdown, while local governments, such as those on the East End of Long Island, have begun emergency funding to support food pantries. States including New York, Wisconsin, Maryland, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Virginia have declared states of emergency, with some deploying additional resources like the National Guard and emergency funds to mitigate the impact. Governors like Kathy Hochul of New York have allocated millions in emergency food funding but face criticism from advocates who argue that these measures fall short of covering the full cost of SNAP benefits. Wisconsin's Governor Tony Evers also declared an emergency, emphasizing the need to protect consumers from price gouging and calling out the federal government’s role in the crisis. The USDA has stated it will not use contingency funds to cover SNAP during the shutdown, leaving states to decide whether to shoulder costs without reimbursement, with some unable to do so, raising concerns about the food security of vulnerable populations nationwide.