(The Center Square) – Relief came Friday for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which was at risk of being suspended for the first time in its 60-year history.
Two federal courts ordered the release of emergency funds to cover the cost and keep the program running.
As the federal government went into the 31st day of its nationwide shutdown Friday, local governments and food banks in Nevada scrambled to meet the needs of the over 500,000 Nevadans who use SNAP, formerly known food stamps.
The Trump administration, meanwhile, has not commented on the court rulings.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture website continued to read immediately after the court orders. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”
Nevada has the fifth highest portion of residents on SNAP in the country at about one in six, according to the NASDAQ. The Silver State sits only behind Oklahoma, Oregon, Louisiana and New Mexico.
“Losing SNAP benefits will mean that 500,000 Nevadans, many of them children, will go without food on their kitchen table,” said Assemblymember Elaine Marzola, D-Clark County, in a news release earlier this week. “That is unacceptable. SNAP beneficiaries include employed hard-working Nevadans who live paycheck to paycheck and have trouble making ends meet. They are our friends, family, and neighbors …”
More than 62% of SNAP participants in Nevada are in families with children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. More than 41% are in working families. In total, the federal government gave Nevadans $1.01 billion in SNAP benefits last year.
Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, along with 24 other states and D.C., sued the Trump administration to use USDA emergency funds, totaling $5 billion, to keep SNAP paid for during the shutdown. The department had previously said it would use those funds, but reversed that in late October.
Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo said he would direct the state government to expand support of local food banks and that the National Guard would be prepared to help distribute food.
“We are doing everything within our authority to support Nevadans who are being hurt by the federal funding stalemate in Congress being fed by Democrats’ inaction,” said Lombardo.
The battle over SNAP has continued in the Legislature.
“I am prepared to declare a fiscal emergency to tap into the State’s rainy day account, if necessary, to fully fund SNAP benefits until the Trump Administration gets its act together and stops turning its back on Nevadans,” said Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, D-Clark County, in statement.
“Other states, some led by Republicans, others led by Democrats, are directly funding SNAP benefits for their citizens,” Yeager continued, referencing Lomardo’s statement against using state funds for SNAP. “Nevada should do the same.”
At the top of its website, the USDA noted, “Senate Democrats have now voted 13 times to not fund the food stamp program.” It added later, “We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.”
At 31 days, the federal government shutdown is within a week from its longest shutdown at 35 days. Kalshi prediction markets have it forecasted to 45 days in total.
While Nevada waits for the Trump administration’s response to Friday’s court orders, local food banks have started taking action.
“Uncertain times can push more households into food insecurity, many for the first time,” said Beth Martino, president & CEO of Three Square Food Bank, the only food bank in Southern Nevada. “Thankfully, Southern Nevadans take care of one another.”
Three Square Food Bank announced four emergency food distribution centers to be open Saturday, Nov. 1, in Las Vegas. You can find link to those sites and times the food bank’s website.
Three Square Food Bank was unable to respond to The Center Square’s requests for comment, saying that the food emergency ahead of the SNAP deadline required all of its available time.
