Emergency SNAP Assistance Amid U.S. Government Shutdown

Thu Oct 30 2025 19:10:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

States across the U.S., including Louisiana, New Mexico, and Vermont, are mobilizing funds to support low-income households as federal SNAP benefits face imminent disruption due to a government shutdown.

With federal SNAP benefits set to run dry this weekend, states like Louisiana, New Mexico, and Vermont are stepping in with emergency funding to support low-income families. Louisiana plans to provide $150 million, New Mexico $30 million, and Vermont $6.3 million to cover essential food assistance. The funding is a response to the U.S. government shutdown impacting millions reliant on SNAP for their monthly food needs.

Facing a federal SNAP food assistance freeze this weekend due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, several states including Louisiana, New Mexico, and Vermont are taking swift measures to assist low-income households who rely on these vital funds.

Louisiana, where nearly one in five residents depend on SNAP benefits, has authorized $150 million in state funding aimed at ensuring almost 800,000 SNAP recipients receive their full monthly benefits. We prioritize protecting our most vulnerable populations — our kids, disabled, and elderly, stated Republican Governor Jeff Landry, backing a bipartisan measure. However, some adults without child or care responsibilities may find their benefits reduced.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a $30 million emergency food assistance plan utilizing EBT cards, temporarily backfilling SNAP benefits. This initiative supports a state population where 21% are SNAP beneficiaries, the highest rate in the nation. Emergency assistance is anticipated to last about ten days, although further funding may be provided if needed, with concerns about food insecurity becoming increasingly pressing.

Vermont also joined the effort, allocating $6.3 million to cover 15 days of SNAP benefits and invest in food banks, supported by a previously established emergency fund.

Mixed State Responses

State responses vary significantly across the country. Some states, like Rhode Island, plan to distribute federal welfare reserves directly onto SNAP benefit cards, while others like Colorado, Minnesota, and New York are directing funds towards food pantries. Meanwhile, states such as Alabama, Texas, and Kansas have yet to implement assistance measures.

The urgency of state initiatives highlights the looming threat of food insecurity for millions of Americans, especially the most vulnerable. Despite efforts, experts caution that the scale of support from states cannot fully replace the federal SNAP funding, which totals approximately $100 billion annually. Legal actions have been initiated, urging the federal government to release contingency funds to ensure uninterrupted SNAP assistance, with significant implications for families relying on these benefits.