SNAP benefits paused nationwide as shutdown impacts 600,000 Kentuckians
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A nationwide pause on SNAP benefits begins tomorrow due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, affecting hundreds of thousands of low-income Kentuckians.
According to state officials, roughly 600,000 Kentuckians rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. Governor Andy Beshear says that during the suspension, the state is reallocating more than $9 million to support the Senior Meals Program and another $12 million to help fund the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
The governor also announced a statewide food drive to support families in need. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted at all state office buildings in Frankfort and distributed through Dare to Care, God’s Pantry, and the Christian Appalachian Project.
Beshear criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the issue, saying the federal government has the authority and funding to continue SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
“What the Trump administration is doing with SNAP benefits is wrong. Let me be clear — the Trump administration can fund SNAP. They can make that decision. It’s been done in past shutdowns and the money is there,” Beshear said.
He added, “No Kentucky family should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their rent.”
ABC36 NEWS NOW will continue to monitor developments from Washington for any last-minute changes.
