HARRISBURG, Pa. (WPVI) — Governor Josh Shapiro is taking emergency action as nearly two million Pennsylvanians worry about how they’ll afford groceries in the coming days.
The governor confirmed that SNAP benefit recipients will not receive money on their cards on November 1.
“If you’re a SNAP benefit recipient, you will not get the money on your card tomorrow, November 1st,” Governor Shapiro said Friday.
SEE ALSO | Judges order the Trump administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown
Vowing that “no one in Pennsylvania should go hungry,” Shapiro has signed a disaster declaration and is immediately sending $5 million to Feeding Pennsylvania to be distributed through food banks across the state, even though Pennsylvania still doesn’t have an approved budget.
“These are dollars we had available in other accounts here in the commonwealth that I was able to use my authority as governor to move around,” Shapiro explained.
Shapiro also announced a private emergency fund that has already raised more than $1 million to keep families fed during the delay.
RELATED | Everything to know about SNAP, how the food assistance program helps millions
“They can now go to a food bank across Pennsylvania and access a place like Philabundance that has more product as a result of the additional dollars that are coming to them,” Shapiro said.
Many Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP say the delay is taking a toll.
“Yeah, I have a lot of anxiety. I hear it every day, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to lose SNAP,'” said Adam Cavey of University City.
“I’m emotional because I was really waiting for the eight dollars every month,” said Gail Grinnage of Southwest Philadelphia.
Shapiro also addressed two lawsuits – including one filed by his administration – challenging the Trump administration’s decision to halt SNAP benefits.
Judges in both cases have ruled that the administration must reinstate SNAP contingency funds, but that doesn’t mean payments will resume right away.
“In both cases, the judges ruled that the Trump administration needs to release those contingency funds,” Shapiro said. “There is some question as to what the relief will look like.”
The Trump administration said it’s planning to comply with the judge’s order.
In the meantime, anyone in need of food assistance in Pennsylvania can call 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org to find a local food bank.
How other states are responding
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, establishing a coordinated response to ensure food access for vulnerable residents
“With more than 800,000 New Jerseyans relying on SNAP to put food on the table, the Trump Administration’s decision to suspend benefits has created a clear and present threat to the health and safety of our residents,” said Murphy.
The emergency declaration establishes a coordinated response to ensure food access for vulnerable residents.
Murphy encourages New Jerseyans to visit nj211.org for statewide emergency resources.
Restaurants are helping, too, like Tony’s Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City. Starting Saturday, they’re providing free kids’ meals to children. Parents must show their SNAP card.
“Without the community, none of these businesses are going, so you have to give back at some point to the community,” said Joey Palumbo, the general manager at Tony’s Baltimore Grill.
Earlier this week, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency in support of more than 120,000 Delawareans who rely on the benefits each month.
“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,” said Meyer.
The governor’s declaration allows the state to temporarily continue SNAP benefits and redirect state funds to ensure families can access food assistance.
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