HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) -- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of Snap benefits being suspended due to the government shutdown.

Officials say the Governor is directing an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks.

“While the Trump administration said it couldn’t fund SNAP during the shutdown, two federal judges just said it can and should,” said Beshear. “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.”

In Kentucky, Snap recipients can continue using current benefits as normal.

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