Gov. Andy Beshear announced Saturday morning that eligible SNAP recipients in Kentucky should see their benefits loaded on their cards shortly, becoming one of the first states to process full benefits for recipients.
“Once again, members of Team Kentucky worked through the night to process SNAP benefits to ensure their fellow Kentuckians didn’t have to wait a minute longer to receive the support they need to feed their loved ones,” Beshear said. “Despite the President’s refusal to release these benefits, Kentucky has remained committed to doing everything we can to be there for our neighbors. Our government should fight hunger – not cause it – and we’re committed to leading with our values and doing what’s right.”
Due to the federal government shutdown, on November 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, which almost 600,000 Kentuckians rely on to supplement their grocery budgets, were suspended. The Governor and state officials quickly took steps to help Kentuckians in need.
Gov. Beshear joined leaders from 24 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging the Trump administration over its unlawful decision to suspend SNAP. On October 31, a federal judge ruled in favor of Kentucky and demanded that funding be partially restored. On November 6, Kentucky became one of the first states to process those partial benefits.
Prior to that news and in preparation for any delays following the October 31 ruling, Beshear signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, directed $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks, and authorized the Kentucky National Guard to assist in staffing food banks as needed.
The governor also directed more than $12 million in state funds during the month of November to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
State officials are also hosting a food drive, accepting non-perishable food at main state office buildings in Frankfort and at the L&N Building in Louisville. Donated items are being distributed throughout the state via Dare to Care, God’s Pantry and the Christian Appalachian Project.
For updates, Kentuckians can visit the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) website or their Self-Service Portal (SSP) account.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
