Wyoming Governor Declares Emergency As SNAP Funds Face Uncertainty

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon on Friday declared a Public Welfare Emergency and issued an executive order to free up state money for food banks, pantries and other charitable organizations if federal SNAP money runs out due to the federal shutdown.

You can read Executive Order [2025-28] here.

Due to the ongoing shutdown, SNAP funding could run out as soon as tomorrow [Nov. 1]. It's unclear at this point what impact two federal judge's orders to fund the program will have on the situation.

According to a new release from the governor's office

''The Executive Order directs the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to coordinate with the State Budget Director to deploy emergency funds to charitable organizations and churches which have food banks, pantries, and mobile food pantries that distribute food to Wyomingites.  As well it directs DFS to issue grant agreements to ensure the funds are widely available to these organizations to assure nutritional food is widely available.  Finally, the EO directs the Director of DFS to submit a proposal for the distribution of the funds to the Governor for his review and approval by November 1.  This hunger relief plan will provide cost estimates, and lay out how the emergency support will be administered as long as the shutdown continues.''

Federal Judge On Friday Orders Funding Of SNAP Despite Shutdown

However, it's possible the state money may not be needed. According to Fox News and several other media outlets,  two federal judges on Friday ordered the Trump Administration to use contingency funds to continue to fund the SNAP program.