As of Saturday, approximately 42 million low-income Americans, including 16 million children, have lost access to benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Department of Agriculture has reported that funding for this month's SNAP benefits, totaling around $9.5 billion, has been depleted. The Trump administration has stated it will not provide additional funding for SNAP, prioritizing military and other government salaries affected by the shutdown. This decision has led to a blame game between Republicans, who control Congress, and Democrats regarding the situation.

SNAP is typically fully funded by the federal government but is administered at the state level. Consequently, the impact of the shutdown on SNAP benefits varies by state. In response, several states have implemented contingency plans, utilizing their own funds to maintain SNAP operations.

In Arizona, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs announced on October 29 that the state would allocate $1.8 million to mitigate the loss of SNAP benefits. Of this amount, $1.5 million will go to food banks to assist SNAP households, while the remaining funds will support the Food Bucks Now program, which provides vouchers for fresh produce.

California has committed $80 million to food banks, according to Governor Gavin Newsom. In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has requested $10 million from the state legislature to support food banks and extend funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program through November.

Connecticut's Governor Ned Lamont announced on October 27 that $3 million in emergency funding would be directed to Connecticut Foodshare, a nonprofit aiding local food banks. Delaware's Governor Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency on October 29, ordering funds to be transferred to the Department of Health and Social Services for continued SNAP payments.

Hawaii has launched the Hawaii Relief Program, which will provide up to four months of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) support for eligible families facing financial crises. Governor Josh Green also announced a $2 million donation to food banks.

In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order on October 30, allocating $25 million in state funds to food banks. Iowa's Governor Kim Reynolds has requested the legislature to match up to $1 million in donations to food banks.

Louisiana's Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on October 24, seeking legislative approval for stabilization funds to assist residents. Maine's Governor Janet Mills announced $1 million in funding for food banks.

Maryland's Governor Wes Moore issued a state of emergency on October 30, allocating $10 million to food banks. Massachusetts has added $4 million to its Emergency Food Assistance program, as announced by Governor Maura Healey.

Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz allocated $4 million to food banks, while Missouri's Governor Mike Kehoe reported $5 million in state funds delivered to food banks, along with an additional $10.6 million for programs feeding seniors.

In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on October 29 that $30 million in state-funded food benefits would be distributed to eligible residents. New York's Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on October 30, providing $40 million for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program and $25 million for Nourish N.Y.

North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein announced $10 million for state food banks, with an additional $8 million from private organizations. North Dakota's Governor Kelly Armstrong allocated $915,000 to food banks and $600,000 for the WIC program.

Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order on October 30, designating $25 million to offset SNAP losses and providing up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits for low-income residents. Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek declared a food emergency, directing $5 million from TANF carryover funds to food banks.

Rhode Island's Governor Dan McGee allocated $6 million in TANF to assist 20,000 families and $200,000 to enhance the capacity of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Virginia's Governor Glen Youngkin launched the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance initiative, providing weekly state funds to residents in lieu of SNAP.

Washington's Governor Bob Ferguson announced that the state would allocate $2.2 million weekly to food banks until SNAP funding is restored. West Virginia's Governor Patrick Morrisey stated that the state would support a food drive and match up to $13 million in donations to food banks.