Shapiro signs emergency order, directs funding to help food banks amid SNAP depletion

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Governor Josh Shapiro announced assistance for food banks as millions of Pennsylvanians who depend on SNAP face questions amid the federal shutdown.

The governor announced $5 million in state funding that will be directed to Feeding Pennsylvania, which will distribute funds to food banks across the state. Shapiro signed a declaration of emergency to expedite the funding on Friday afternoon.

A private fundraising effort has also raised more than $1 million for state food banks, according to Shapiro.

“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,”  Governor Shapiro said in a statement. “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. The federal government has the money to keep people fed — they’re just refusing to use it. In Pennsylvania, I won’t let our families or food banks shoulder that burden alone, and I’m not going to stand by while the federal government lets Pennsylvanians go hungry.”

A lawsuit was filed by Shapiro and 24 other states against the Trump Administration over the suspension of SNAP payments amid the government shutdown.

On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the Trump Administration must continue to fund the food assistance program. Further legal action may be taken in the coming days, which could change if and when funds are distributed.