When SNAP Benefits Evolve: How States Meet Local Needs with Direct Food Assistance

Millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits each month to put food on the table. But with federal funding and eligibility changes ahead, dynamic programs are thinking ahead to avoid any disruption during a peak-season transition in November.

To meet these needs, many states are stepping in—offering emergency funds, direct aid, and support for food banks working tirelessly to serve their communities. Over the long term, this moment may be an opportunity for communities to come together and help design more nimble programs that serve the most needy, and graduate former beneficiaries into future volunteers, donors, and advocates for excellence among the United States’ robust range of non-government sectors.

Below, we’ve compiled a state-by-state overview of how local leaders are responding. Whether you’re looking for assistance, coordinating resources, or guiding volunteers, this guide can help you connect people to the support they need.

12 States Taking Action to Support Food Security

California: Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an $80M allocation to food banks and mobilized the National Guard/California Volunteers to help package and distribute food.

Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont announced $3M to Connecticut Foodshare to expand immediate distribution capacity and buy meals.

Illinois: Illinois leaders have signaled they are looking into ways the state can support food pantries and keep emergency assistance flowing. Many local food banks are coordinating surge plans in Chicago and statewide.

Louisiana: Louisiana officials have been preparing to use state funding to keep benefits flowing for certain groups and to support food banks; the governor previously authorized stops and short-term coverage depending on the situation.

Minnesota: Governor Tim Walz announced emergency funding to distribute to food shelves via The Food Group and other partners to help cover an expected increased need.

New Hampshire: New Hampshire DHHS and the state food bank network are implementing contingency plans, including mobile pantry deployments and short-term WIC funding extensions in some areas.

New Jersey: Officials have warned of the risk and are coordinating with networks and food banks; local food banks are preparing surge plans and officials are pushing for solutions.

New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the state will expedite $8M for food banks and is exploring legal/administrative options to do more.

New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a rapid $30M infusion to food banks and pantries to provide meals while SNAP is paused.

South Carolina: Governor McMaster has announced the activation of the One SC Fund to provide direct monetary assistance to food banks and local feeding partners.

Vermont: Vermont lawmakers pledged to fully fund SNAP and heating assistance (LIHEAP) as a stopgap measure for tens of thousands of residents.

Virginia: Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency so Virginia can use state emergency funds and roll out a state plan to continue food benefits for hundreds of thousands of residents.

Other States: Several other states, including Washington, Oregon, Maine, and Colorado, are activating emergency operations centers, supporting mobile food programs, and accelerating grants to community-based food distributors.

Steps You Can Take Today

If You Need Food Assistance

If SNAP benefits change, there will still be resources available to help you and your family access healthy food. Acting early can make a difference.

• Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) for immediate assistance in English or Spanish. Operators can connect you to local programs that offer groceries, meals, and additional aid.

• Check your state’s SNAP or human services page: Every state posts real-time updates about benefit status and emergency food programs. Visit your state’s official website or call your local social services office for the latest details.

• Locate your nearest food bank or pantry: Use Feeding America’s Food Bank Locator or call 2-1-1 to find organizations offering groceries, hot meals, and mobile pantry deliveries in your ZIP code.

• Ask about volunteer-supported distributions: Many food banks are hosting pop-up pantries or mobile markets run by volunteers who help load cars, restock shelves, and deliver meals. These events are designed for accessibility and often require no documentation.

• Reach out to schools, churches, and community centers: Many are partnering with local volunteers to serve meals or distribute boxes of groceries. Volunteers often help operate these programs — so asking locally is a quick way to find reliable support.

• If you’re physically able and want to stay engaged, consider volunteering: Some food banks offer opportunities to both receive and contribute. Helping with sorting, setup, or registration during a distribution can provide a sense of purpose and connection while meeting your own needs.

If You Want to Help Those in Need

Whenever federal, state, and local programs change, volunteers become the heartbeat of hunger relief. Across the country, food banks depend on individuals like you to help sort donations, pack boxes, deliver meals, and spread the word about available resources.

Here’s how you can make the most impact:

• Sign up to volunteer at your local food bank: Visit goldenvolunteer.com/volunteer or connect directly with your local food bank to find opportunities near you. Many locations are expanding hours and adding shifts to meet the surge in demand.

• Support mobile and emergency food distributions: Food banks are deploying rapid-response events in neighborhoods where need is highest. Volunteers help with setup, packaging, traffic flow, and cleanup — every role matters.

• Give what’s most needed: Financial contributions go further than donated goods because food banks can purchase in bulk and source fresh, healthy food. If you prefer to donate items, choose shelf-stable proteins (like beans, tuna, or peanut butter) and baby essentials.

• Use your voice and your network: Share verified information about where people can find food. Post updates from your local food bank on social media, or organize your workplace or community group to volunteer together.

• Partner with organizations already on the ground: Many nonprofits use Golden to manage and match volunteers with opportunities at food banks and community kitchens. Coordinating through a centralized system ensures help reaches the right place at the right time.

• Be consistent: Food insecurity doesn’t end when federal funding resumes. Regular volunteers create stability for nonprofits and the families they serve. Consider setting up a recurring volunteer shift or monthly donation.

In Times of Uncertainty, Communities Step Up

The coming weeks may bring challenges, but across the country, communities are responding with compassion and coordination to make sure all needs are met and improved conditions eventually emerge.

From governors allocating emergency funding to volunteers showing up at distribution sites, this moment reminds us what’s possible when we act together.

Golden is proud to support the organizations, volunteers, and leaders working tirelessly to make sure no one goes hungry.