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(WPHL) — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will expire on November 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. While judges ordered the Trump administration on Friday to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown, the cards will not reload right away.
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware have all taken action, which includes all three suing the Trump administration over the benefit lapse.
Here is how the states are responding, and where you can find resources.
Pennsylvania
On Friday, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an emergency order that will help food banks in the Keystone State, which includes $5 million in state funding for Feeding Pennsylvania. $1 million from a private fundraising effort will also be heading to state food banks.
“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.”
Resources in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians in need of food assistance can visit the following websites for more information:
- PA211.org
- FeedingPA.org
- PA-Navigate.org
- Southeastern PA/South Jersey: Philabundance.org
Resources in Philadelphia
Philadelphians can visit phila.gov/food to find food in their neighborhood.
The School District of Philadelphia has also compiled a list of resources for families impacted by the SNAP benefits lapse.
New Jersey
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Friday, effective at 12 a.m. on November 1, due to the suspension of SNAP benefits. The declaration will allow for a “coordinated statewide response to ensure food access for vulnerable residents by empowering state agencies to take emergency actions to protect public health and welfare.”
According to Murphy, more than 800,000 rely on the program in the Garden State.
“We will not stand by while families face hunger,” said Governor Murphy. “That is why our state will mobilize every available resource to strengthen our food access networks banks, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that every resident has access to the meals they need.”
Due to the changing situation, Garden State residents are being encouraged to regularly check their accounts by visiting NJFamiliesFirst.com or calling 800-997-3333, and view updates on their SNAP benefits at NJsnap.gov.
Resources in New Jersey
New Jerseyans in need of food assistance can visit the following websites for more information:
- NJ211.org
- Community FoodBank of New Jersey
- Food Bank of South Jersey
- NJ.gov Basic Needs Information Hub
- Southeastern PA/South Jersey: Philabundance.org
Delaware
On Wednesday, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency due to the SNAP interruption, which will allow the state to redirect state funds to temporarily fund the program.
According to Governor Meyer, SNAP supports 120,000 Delawareans each month.
“Delaware is stepping up to protect those who depend on SNAP benefits, many of them working parents, children, and seniors,” Governor Matt Meyer said. “We’re making sure every Delaware family can eat, and no child goes to bed hungry, acting with urgency and transparency to safeguard what matters most — your family and your future.”
SNAP recipients in the First State can monitor the status of benefits on the Delaware Health and Social Services website.
Resources in Delaware
Delawareans in need of food assistance can visit the following websites for more information:
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Sean Reitze
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