DELAWARE - Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has declared a state of emergency as the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt access to food assistance for thousands of people in the First State.
The move, announced Wednesday, Oct. 29, comes as the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, faces a possible funding lapse. Meyer said the program, which provides food to more than 120,000 people in Delaware, could run out of funding starting Nov. 1 if the federal government does not reopen. The solution involves funding the program on a week-by-week basis, through the month of November.
"I promised that I'd protect Delawareans from federal chaos, and today we're delivering on that promise, because we cannot wait." said Meyer.
As part of the emergency response, Meyer outlined key steps. First, the state of emergency declaration allows Delaware to temporarily fund SNAP benefits. Second, Meyer pledged increased support for food banks and pantries across the state, calling on locals to step up and donate to nonprofit and religious organizations aiding people in need.
Meyer also announced that the Delaware General Assembly would be called back into session to address an estimated $400 million revenue shortfall. He attributed the budget gap to President Donald Trump’s tax policies, which Meyer said have made states more vulnerable during shutdowns.
"Now, more than ever, the Trump administration has made it clear that they have no interest in supporting American working families." said Meyer.
Legislative leaders applauded Meyer's decision to fuel SNAP funding, "This is a win for Delaware families and for the values we share as elected leaders – compassion, stability and responsiveness to the needs of the people. Funding SNAP is the right call and will save thousands of Delawareans from unnecessary hardship during these uncertain times."
"While the governor, his team, the Food Bank of Delaware, and food pantries up and down the state work to fill the gap created by this Republican shutdown, my colleagues and I in Washington continue our efforts to reopen the federal government as soon as possible," said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. "Delaware families shouldn’t have to worry about rising health care premiums or losing access to food assistance because of Republicans’ refusal to negotiate."
This comes after Democratic and Republican leaders called on the governor on Tuesday to allocate funding to SNAP temporarily. 22 other states' attorneys general have also joined Delaware in a lawsuit over the suspension of SNAP benefits.