New Mexico Unveils $30M Emergency Food Aid Amid Federal Shutdown
UPDATE: New Mexico will launch a crucial $30 million emergency food assistance program starting November 1, 2023, to mitigate the imminent halt of federal food benefits affecting over 460,000 residents. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made the announcement on Wednesday, responding to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to cease funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal shutdown.
This emergency funding will act as a lifeline as the USDA fails to utilize contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits for the first ten days of November. The governor’s plan includes issuing 40 executive orders authorizing $750,000 each, enabling the state’s Health Care Authority to distribute funds directly onto existing EBT cards for eligible New Mexicans.
“They came to work,” said Lujan Grisham during a press conference at John Brooks Supermarket in Albuquerque. “The opposite of a shutdown. They’re doing their job every single day, and Republicans in Congress should do their damn job in the same way that our legislators, bipartisan, are standing up for New Mexicans.”
New Mexico has the highest SNAP participation rate in the United States, with 21% of the population relying on these benefits. Typically, the state receives between $80 million and $90 million monthly in SNAP assistance from the federal government. With the recent federal funding halt, this emergency measure aims to cover approximately 30% of residents’ SNAP benefits for November.
During the conference, Kari Armijo, Secretary of the Health Care Authority, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, “This will act as a bridge for our residents during this critical time.” She confirmed that elderly and disabled recipients will receive at least $100 to support their immediate needs. “We will communicate with our customers to ensure they understand how their EBT cards will function during this period,” she added.
The funding stems from a special legislative session held on October 1, where lawmakers allocated additional funds to the state’s contingency fund. This enables the governor to utilize these resources without legislative approval during emergencies. Following the funding announcement, officials expressed hope that the USDA might reconsider its decision and release federal support.
“What they’re telling the American people and what they’re telling New Mexicans is that they have to choose between their health care or putting food on the table,” said New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez, condemning the federal government’s inaction.
As the state prepares for the funding rollout, officials are also keeping an eye on potential solutions for the needs beyond November 10. Another special legislative session may be called to address ongoing challenges. The state continues to accept SNAP applications and collaborates with local food banks and organizations to ensure no one goes hungry.
Local food bank leaders, like Jill Dixon, Executive Director of The Food Depot, expressed gratitude for the swift legislative action. “We believe in community and reaching out to one another when times are really hard. This is the best day I’ve had in weeks,” she said, highlighting the collective effort to support New Mexicans in need.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With the federal shutdown impacting essential services, New Mexico’s proactive measures serve as a crucial response to a growing crisis. Residents are urged to remain informed about their SNAP benefits and access local resources while state officials work tirelessly to navigate these challenges.
For those in need, local food banks such as ECHO Food Bank, Frontline Mission Inc., and Crisis Closet are ready to offer assistance during this critical time. More information about available services can be found on their websites.
As this situation develops, stay tuned for further updates and information on how New Mexico is tackling the challenges posed by the federal shutdown and ensuring food security for its residents.
