The Governor's Office has released a fact sheet discussing where WIC and SNAP benefits stand amid the current government shutdown and giving a look at state-funded food assistance.
The state's Division of Public and Behavioral Health, in partnership with the Nevada Office of Emergency Management, requested $7.3 million in emergency funding to support WIC.
That funding was approved by the Nevada Board of Examiners on October 14 and the Interim Finance Committee on October 16.
It will enable continued food benefits for participants statewide, including pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, through December 23.
Funds will be distributed weekly and only used if the USDA does not provide additional WIC food funding.
SNAP benefits, the Governor's Office said, are entirely federally funded, with the state's Division of Social Services distributing those federal funds. The state can not fund SNAP on its own.
If the federal government shutdown extends beyond October 31, federal funding would be insufficient to cover SNAP benefits for November, the Governor's Office said in its release.
Those currently receiving SNAP assistance who need to find additional resources can visit Nevada 211.
Governor Lombardo has also directed the Governor’s Finance Office, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Agriculture to implement the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan, which will secure supplemental resources for SNAP beneficiaries if the shutdown goes past October 31.
To help with that plan, the governor will also engage the Nevada National Guard, who will be ready to assist with food distribution to those in need.
Food resources will be available to all Nevadans affected by the shutdown, not just SNAP recipients.
The State will fund the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan with $38.8 million of state dollars through $30.2 million from the IFC Contingency Fund and through emergency work programs totaling $8.6 million.
To read the full fact sheet from the Governor's Office, click on the document below.
