The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will run out of money on Saturday, affecting 42 million low-income Americans. To mitigate this crisis, some states are using their own funds to support food banks and meal programs. Governors from both parties have been taking different approaches, ranging from emergency declarations to redirecting state funds.
Some governors, like California’s Gavin Newsom and Vermont’s Phil Scott, are diverting state money to bolster food banks. Meanwhile, others, such as North Dakota’s Doug Burgum (not mentioned in the article) and Missouri’s Mike Kehoe, are using targeted approaches to support seniors and children. Governors from states like New York and Virginia have declared emergencies to unlock more funds.
To address the issue, some governors are deploying National Guard troops or state volunteers to help distribute food at banks, while others are encouraging private donations through initiatives like Colorado’s Feeding Colorado program. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has also pledged to match private donations to support regional food banks.
The federal government shutdown and lack of reserve funds have left states scrambling to find solutions. As the SNAP crisis unfolds, governors will continue to take steps to protect their constituents’ access to essential services.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/30/us/politics/snap-states.html