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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency in response to the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. At a news conference in Philadelphia, Shapiro announced that the state would immediately allocate $5 million to support food banks across Pennsylvania, ensuring families have access to food during this critical period. This move comes as approximately two million Pennsylvanians missed their November SNAP payments, which provide $366 million monthly in food assistance statewide.
The Trump administration was ordered by two federal judges over the weekend to continue funding SNAP using contingency funds. However, Shapiro expressed skepticism about the administration's compliance, citing its history of ignoring court rulings. Even with the court's decision, it could take over a week for SNAP benefits to be restored.
According to Lock Haven, Shapiro criticized the Trump administration for withholding funds despite having billions in contingency reserves. He also noted that earlier this year, the administration canceled $13 million in USDA funding intended for Pennsylvania food banks.
The $5 million emergency funding will be distributed through Feeding Pennsylvania, a network of nine food banks serving over 1.5 million people annually. Shapiro has also initiated a private-sector fundraising effort, collecting over $1 million from business leaders to further support food banks.
The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported that state leaders, including State House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, praised Shapiro's actions. They emphasized the need for long-term solutions, such as increasing the minimum wage and investing in education and job training.
The suspension of SNAP benefits has placed a significant strain on food charities, with many relying on reserves to meet increased demand. Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the emergency funding is critical to easing pressure on food banks during the crisis.
Public Source noted that the judicial rulings require the Trump administration to use contingency funds to continue SNAP payments, but appeals are expected. The administration's decision to pause SNAP payments has sparked legal challenges from 25 states and the District of Columbia, arguing that the funds must be used to prevent hunger.