News
November 03, 2025
Shapiro Declares Emergency to Protect Food Access as SNAP Payments Halted
HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro on Friday declared a disaster emergency and announced $5 million in immediate state funding to Pennsylvania food banks after the Trump Administration halted November ...
HARRISBURG, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro has declared a disaster emergency across Pennsylvania and committed $5 million in immediate state funding to the state's network of food banks. The move comes after the Trump Administration abruptly halted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for the month of November, threatening food access for vulnerable Pennsylvanians.
The unexpected cessation of federal SNAP benefits has created a significant crisis, leaving countless families and individuals without the resources to purchase groceries. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides crucial assistance to low-income individuals and families, helping them afford nutritious food and avoid hunger. The sudden disruption has placed immense strain on food banks and other charitable organizations already struggling to meet increased demand.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the emergency declaration will allow the state to quickly mobilize resources and provide essential support to those affected. The $5 million in state funding will be distributed to food banks across Pennsylvania to help them purchase food, expand their operations, and ensure that no one goes hungry during this challenging time.
“Access to food is a basic human right, and we cannot stand by while Pennsylvanians face the possibility of going hungry,” said Governor Shapiro. “This disaster emergency will allow us to cut through red tape and get resources where they are needed most – directly to the food banks serving our communities.”
The governor's office has indicated that they are actively working to understand the reason behind the Trump Administration's decision to halt SNAP payments and are exploring all available avenues to restore federal funding as quickly as possible. In the meantime, state officials are urging anyone in need of food assistance to contact their local food bank or the Department of Human Services for information and support. The declaration aims to mitigate the immediate impact of the federal action and ensure that Pennsylvania's most vulnerable residents have access to the food they need.
The unexpected cessation of federal SNAP benefits has created a significant crisis, leaving countless families and individuals without the resources to purchase groceries. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides crucial assistance to low-income individuals and families, helping them afford nutritious food and avoid hunger. The sudden disruption has placed immense strain on food banks and other charitable organizations already struggling to meet increased demand.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the emergency declaration will allow the state to quickly mobilize resources and provide essential support to those affected. The $5 million in state funding will be distributed to food banks across Pennsylvania to help them purchase food, expand their operations, and ensure that no one goes hungry during this challenging time.
“Access to food is a basic human right, and we cannot stand by while Pennsylvanians face the possibility of going hungry,” said Governor Shapiro. “This disaster emergency will allow us to cut through red tape and get resources where they are needed most – directly to the food banks serving our communities.”
The governor's office has indicated that they are actively working to understand the reason behind the Trump Administration's decision to halt SNAP payments and are exploring all available avenues to restore federal funding as quickly as possible. In the meantime, state officials are urging anyone in need of food assistance to contact their local food bank or the Department of Human Services for information and support. The declaration aims to mitigate the immediate impact of the federal action and ensure that Pennsylvania's most vulnerable residents have access to the food they need.
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