As the federal government shutdown continues to cause disputes about food assistance, Kentucky officials and community organizations are working together to support those who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, nearly 650,000 Kentuckians rely on SNAP benefits to buy groceries – including more than 260,000 children under 18. While October payments were delivered smoothly, uncertainty remains over November benefits as federal agencies face restricted access to funding.
Governor Andy Beshear announced this week that the state is allocating $9.1 million in emergency funding to provide emergency funding to support Senior Meals Programs, which provides food to thousands of older adults across the Commonwealth.
“As a state, we’re doing what we can to help cover the support our Kentucky families rely on,” Governor Beshear said in a news release this past Monday.
Local food banks are already feeling the strain. The Dare to Care Food Bank in Louisville reported a surge in people seeking help amid concerns over delayed SNAP payments. President and CEO Vincent James said that 30 days is “not enough time to … cover the gap that SNAP benefits are going to leave our neighbors in need.”
While the governor cannot close every funding gap, he has directed the Kentucky National Guard to assist food banks across the state, ensuring operations continue without staffing shortages..
“It will help ensure Feeding Kentucky and their partner food banks can focus on distributing meals without the hardship of finding additional staff,” Governor Beshear said in a press conference on Wednesday.
In Lexington, community groups have also stepped up to help. A city-wide food drive led by the Mayor’s Office, Lexington Fire and Police Departments, Division of Emergency Management, and God’s Pantry Food Bank is mobilizing volunteers and keeping resources accessible.
“As we approach the holiday season, we want everyone to pitch in … to give big … to ensure no one in our community goes without food,” Mayor Linda Gorton said.
As the community joins together to support one another, Beshear emphasized that while these efforts provide relief, long-term sustainability must remain a priority.
“And while I’m glad we found a temporary solution, we must ensure that we understand our people’s needs, as well as the cost controls and procedures for the senior meal program to appropriately budget and run these programs in the future.”
In addition to joining forces with the community to mobilize resources, Governor Beshear joined 25 states and the District of Columbia in filing a federal lawsuit against the USDA on Oct. 28, originally filed by Massachusetts.. The suit seeks to force the USDA to continue to issue SNAP benefits in full amid the government shutdown.
“I’m doing everything I can to push this federal administration. They can fund SNAP during the government shutdown. They should fund SNAP during the government shutdown. You know, whether people have enough to eat should not be a prop for negotiating,” Governor Andy Beshear said.
As Kentucky continues to support those in need, Governor Beshear summed up the state’s message clearly: “No Kentuckian should face hunger.”
For updates on Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al. v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, visit the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General website.
