Kentucky, States Win Challenge Against Trump Administration, SNAP Benefits Ordered to Be Restored

The Governor also signed an executive order directing an initial $5 million to Feeding Kentucky food banks.

(Frankfort, Ky.) - Days after challenging the Trump administration over its unlawful suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that a federal judge has ruled in favor of Kentucky, 24 other states and the District of Columbia and demanded that funding be restored.

To ensure Kentuckians have access to food over the next few days, the Governor also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and directing an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks.

“While the Trump administration said it couldn’t fund SNAP during the shutdown, two federal judges just said it can and should,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s my job as Governor to stand up for Kentuckians, and I am thankful today’s rulings were in favor of helping the more than 40 million Americans and almost 600,000 Kentuckians – many of whom are children – access benefits that will provide them food and prevent hunger.”

On Friday in Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the Trump administration’s decision to suspend SNAP benefits was likely illegal and ordered the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to decide if it will release contingency funding in whole or in part for the program. Additionally, in a separate ruling in a different case in Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the Trump administration to distribute the contingency funding for the SNAP program “as soon as possible.”

To view Judge Talwani’s ruling, click here.

In preparation of any delays for the restoration of benefits, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order to direct an initial $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks. In his executive order, the Governor directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to “work with the Office of the State Budget Director to identify, allocate, and transfer funds as necessary from available sources to support the food banks during the lapse of SNAP funding,” beginning with $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is then instructed to provide the identified funds to Feeding Kentucky.

Feeding Kentucky has a network of seven food banks that provide food and groceries to Kentuckians facing hunger in all 120 counties. Through more than 900 partner food pantries and meal programs, the organization reaches an estimated 1 in 7 Kentuckians each year. Feeding Kentucky focuses on addressing child hunger, sourcing food from Kentucky farmers, and advocating for policies that reflect the needs of Kentuckians.

“From the miracle of fishes and loaves to the Last Supper, my faith teaches me we are called to feed and care for each other. Our President and leaders in Washington should be focused on fighting hunger, not causing it,” said the Governor. “In Kentucky, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors get through this challenging time. Thankfully, we have a great partner in Feeding Kentucky, which will allow us to provide some support for those most affected.”