EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico will provide $30 million in state dollars to ensure that low-income New Mexicans continue to receive food benefits amidst the ongoing federal government shutdown, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in a news release.
This comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 42 million recipients nationwide starting Saturday, Nov. 1.
According to the news release, 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 the $30 million in state-funded food benefits onto existing EBT cards for eligible New Mexicans on Saturday, according to the news release.
This state funding is separate from federal SNAP funding and is intended to help feed New Mexicans through roughly the first 10 days of November.
“Hunger knows no party lines. Every New Mexican needs access to food, and I’m grateful the Governor is taking immediate action,” said Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo. “We will do everything in our power to help New Mexicans navigate this uncertainty.”
The state’s emergency response includes the following, according to the governor:
- $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,” Lt. Gov. Howie Morales said. “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.”
Those enrolled in SNAP should expect the state funds by Saturday to equal roughly 30 percent of their benefit for November, with elderly and disabled recipients receiving at least $100, according to the governor.
“New Mexico is doing all it can to help alleviate suffering that Republicans in Washington are inflicting on our communities, but no state—including New Mexico—can afford to bridge this massive funding gap indefinitely,” Lujan Grisham said. “It’s up to Congress and President Trump to do what’s right and restore this critical nutrition funding that millions of American rely on every day.”
Families can continue using funds already loaded on EBT cards. New Mexicans should continue applying for benefits at YES.NM.GOV, by calling 1-800-283-4465, or visiting any HCA Income Support Division office.
Read: Read More