SNAP

Funding for SNAP has been allocated, paused, reinstated, and canceled again multiple times, straining local food pantries and the state agencies that scrambled to lessen the impact on hungry residents.

Governor Ned Lamont said he’s instructed the state Department of Social Services to reload residents' EBT cards. The money is expected to be available next week.

The government has been shut down since October 1. There hasn’t been much progress among lawmakers to solve it, though that may change now that President Donald Trump has said Republicans are suffering politically.

The Trump administration says it’ll only partially fund the nation’s SNAP benefits this month, following a court order to do so. The head of a Bridgeport, Connecticut-based food pantry said that it won’t be enough.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has agreed with state lawmakers to use up to $500 million in state surplus to offset some of the federal funding cuts.

The state is expected to have an additional $2.6 billion in tax revenue thanks largely to a better-than-expected year on Wall Street.

Efforts to feed people who rely on federal food assistance in Connecticut are underway during interruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). No new benefits will be available starting November 1, as the government shutdown continues.

As the federal government shutdown continues and SNAP benefits are set to lapse, Long Island food banks prepare for a surge in demand heading into the holiday season.

Connecticut and New York are suing to stop the Trump administration from suspending SNAP payments on Nov. 1. They’re joining 20 other states and the District of Columbia.

Connecticut will spend $3 million to partially supplement federal food aid benefits for residents during the government shutdown.