Due to the government shutdown, millions of Americans prepare to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) payments beginning on November 1st. To help address this, many states have stepped in to provide emergency funding or food assistance. Actions have varied by state, with some using state funds to cover SNAP benefits directly, while others are bolstering food banks or taking legal action. The USDA, which manages these programs, has stated it will not reimburse states for these costs. Several leaders are asking the agency to shift money from its contingency fund to keep benefits at least partially funded. The USDA stated in a memo that its contingency funds are “not legally available” to extend regular benefits and are meant only for natural disasters. Below are a few examples of what states are doing.  

A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump Administration over the suspension of benefits. This includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, California and Hawaii.  

California is fast tracking $80 million for food banks and may use the National Guard to assist with food distribution.  

Colorado requested the state legislature use $10 million from the state’s general fund to support food banks. 

Missouri authorized $5 million to be distributed to food banks across Missouri through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding. Additionally, $10.6 million will be transferred from the Senior Services Growth and Development Fund to the Missouri Area Agencies on Aging to support meals for senior residents.  

Nevada is seeking to direct $30 million in state funds for food assistance and is prepared to use the National Guard for distribution. 

Virginia declared a state of emergency to use emergency funds for hunger relief and cover SNAP and WIC benefits through November. 

South Carolina deployed the state’s National Guard to help food banks with distribution.