Governor announces $30 million to feed New Mexicans – 460,000 New Mexicans set to lose federal SNAP benefits Nov. 1
Source: Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that the State of New Mexico will provide $30 million in state dollars starting Nov. 1 to ensure that low-income children and families, seniors and New Mexicans with disabilities continue to receive food benefits amidst an ongoing federal government shutdown.
The announcement comes in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 42 million recipients nationwide starting Nov. 1. In New Mexico, that’s approximately 460,000 New Mexicans — 21 percent of the state’s population and the highest participation rate in the nation.
“The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have abdicated their responsibility to Americans in need, so we’re stepping up to help New Mexicans,” said Lujan Grisham. “This $30 million in state funding will ensure that families, seniors, and children who need assistance will still be able to put food on their tables in November.”
The Health Care Authority will distribute $30 million in state-funded food benefits onto existing EBT cards for eligible New Mexicans on Nov. 1. These state dollars are separate from federal SNAP funding and are intended to help feed New Mexicans through roughly the first 10 days of November.
The state’s emergency response includes:
- $30 million in state funding for emergency food assistance.
- Forty executive orders authorizing $750,000 each (the maximum allowed for each EO under state law) and declaring a state of emergency. The orders will also authorize the Health Care Authority to provide nutritional assistance to those otherwise eligible for SNAP benefits.
- Continuing to accept SNAP applications, as benefits will be tied to application dates when federal funding resumes.
- Partnering with community organizations, food banks, and schools to reach vulnerable populations.
“I’ve heard from constituents who are worried about how they’ll feed their families next month,” said Lt. Gov. Howie Morales. “This $30 million investment means meals for children, groceries for seniors, and hope for families who’ve been abandoned by Republicans in Washington. I commend Gov. Lujan Grisham for taking decisive action.”
Read the full article here, and find out more details regarding food assistance in New Mexico.