Cherokee Nation Deploys $7 Million Emergency Aid Amid SNAP Shutdown

With the potential suspension of SNAP benefits due to federal funding uncertainties and the government shutdown, several tribal and state entities are mobilizing to support affected communities. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are encouraging members to seek help and are offering alternative food assistance programs, including commodity food programs and tribal food sovereignty initiatives. The Cherokee Nation has declared a state of emergency and allocated over $6.75 million in emergency relief, including $4.5 million in immediate cash assistance to replace SNAP benefits, expanded senior nutrition services, and increased food bank support. Applications for these benefits are available through the Cherokee Nation Gadugi Portal. In South Carolina, with nearly 270,000 households relying on SNAP, state officials have activated the One SC Fund to raise money for food banks, but food aid workers caution that philanthropy alone may not meet the rising demand. Overall, these coordinated efforts highlight the urgent need for support as SNAP funding disruptions threaten food security for many families, especially vulnerable populations such as children and elders.