Days after challenging the Trump administration over its suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency while directing millions of dollars to fund Feeding Kentucky food banks
Beshear also announced that a federal judge has ruled in favor of Kentucky, 24 other states and the District of Columbia in demanding that funding be restored.
In preparation of any delays for the restoration of benefits, Beshear signed an executive order to direct an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks.
In his executive order, the governor directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to “work with the Office of the State Budget Director to identify, allocate, and transfer funds as necessary from available sources to support the food banks during the lapse of SNAP funding,” beginning with $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is then instructed to provide the identified funds to Feeding Kentucky.
“Feeding Kentucky has a network of seven food banks that provide food and groceries to Kentuckians facing hunger in all 120 counties,” the governor’s office said. “Through more than 900 partner food pantries and meal programs, the organization reaches an estimated one in seven Kentuckians each year. Feeding Kentucky focuses on addressing child hunger, sourcing food from Kentucky farmers and advocating for policies that reflect the needs of Kentuckians.”
Judges order release of federal contingency funds
“On Friday in Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the Trump administration’s decision to suspend SNAP benefits was likely illegal and ordered the United States Department of Agriculture to decide if it will release contingency funding in whole or in part for the program,” the governor’s office said. “Additionally, in a separate ruling in a different case in Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the Trump administration to distribute the contingency funding for the SNAP program ‘as soon as possible.’”
“It’s my job as governor to stand up for Kentuckians, and I am thankful today’s rulings were in favor of helping the more than 40 million Americans and almost 600,000 Kentuckians – many of whom are children – access benefits that will provide them food and prevent hunger,” Beshear said.
To view Judge Talwani’s ruling, click here.
Beshear has also directed more than $12 million in state funds during November to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
“Team Kentucky will also host a food drive, accepting non-perishable food at main state office buildings in Frankfort and at the L&N Building in Louisville. Donated items will be distributed throughout the state via Dare to Care, God’s Pantry and the Christian Appalachian Project,” according to the governor’s office.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
