Governor Shapiro announces $5 million aid for food banks amid SNAP funding halt

Governor Josh Shapiro has announced new measures to support Pennsylvania residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), following the federal government’s decision not to fund SNAP benefits in November due to the ongoing shutdown.

The state will immediately provide $5 million in funding to Feeding Pennsylvania, which will distribute these resources through its network of food banks across the state. In addition, Governor Shapiro has signed a disaster emergency declaration aimed at speeding up the delivery of state funds and ensuring that relief reaches affected Pennsylvanians quickly. The declaration is intended to accelerate the allocation of resources, streamline contracting processes, and give the governor more tools to address issues caused by the shutdown.

"Nearly two million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP every month - and they shouldn't have to wonder where their next meal will come from because of the dysfunction in Washington," said Governor Shapiro. "There is no substitute for the federal government's decision not to release SNAP benefits, but my Administration is stepping up to use every tool we have - state resources, private sector support, and the compassion of our communities - to make sure our food banks are fully stocked and our families are fed. The federal government has the money to keep people fed - they're just refusing to use it. In Pennsylvania, I won't let our families or food banks shoulder that burden alone, and I'm not going to stand by while the federal government lets Pennsylvanians go hungry."

Other speakers included Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance; Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding PA; Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; and Robin Perkins.