Millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans, are going hungry as Trump’s shutdown blocks funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

A federal court ordered Trump to release the funds, but instead of complying, his administration went back to court to purposefully delay withholding food assistance from 42 million Americans right before the holidays. The money is there. He just refuses to use it.

Why This Matters

SNAP keeps families fed, providing nine out of every ten meals delivered through public food programs. When Trump blocks these benefits, food banks and states are forced to pick up the slack, but they simply can’t fill the gap.

That’s why governors must act now, using their voices, emergency powers, and national platforms to pressure Trump to comply with the court order and release these funds immediately.

Some governors are already stepping in with emergency funds to keep families fed. Maryland is covering the federal gap with roughly $62 million. Louisiana has committed $150 million. New York, Virginia, and other states have also declared food emergencies and allocated tens of millions in relief.

But even these efforts are stop-gaps, not full replacements. Governors must keep pushing, both to support families in their states and to speak out forcefully until the federal government restores this vital lifeline.

Take Action Now

📞 Call your governor and ask them to speak out for hungry families. Demand that Trump release SNAP funds immediately and that your state do everything possible to support those in need until the federal benefits are restored.

>> Find your governor’s contact info here

Call Script

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I’m a constituent in [CITY/STATE].

I’m calling to ask Governor [NAME] to publicly demand that the Trump administration comply with the federal court order to fund SNAP immediately. Every day of delay means more families, seniors, and veterans go hungry, through no fault of their own.

Please use every tool at the state’s disposal to fill the gap where possible, and speak out loudly to ensure that no American goes hungry because of politics. Thank you.

(If leaving voicemail: Please include your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.)

📢 Spread the Word

Post on social media and tag your governor. Let’s make it clear: No one in America should go hungry because of political games.

Sample Post:
Millions of families are going hungry while Trump blocks SNAP benefits — even after a court ordered him to pay. Governors must speak out now and pressure him to release the funds. #EndTheHungerGames #FundSNAPNow

What Our Democratic Fighters Are Saying

“One of the first and most basic priorities of governing is to ensure that families do not go hungry. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our people in these difficult times. But no state can fill the enormous gap created by Donald Trump and his administration. It’s time for the federal government to do its job and fully fund food assistance.”
- Governor Wes Moore.

“This heartless decision to stop SNAP benefits just before Thanksgiving will put immense strain on families, food banks, and pantries during an already busy season.”

“Despite misleading claims from Trump’s USDA, the agency has both the authority and obligation to fund November benefits—this is exactly why Congress created an emergency fund.

“Democrats in Congress stand ready to fund the government, deliver for Americans, and protect vital programs like SNAP. We urge Republicans, including Kean, Smith, and Van Drew, to stop playing with their constituents’ lives and come to the negotiating table immediately.”
- Senator Cory Booker

“It should have never come to this. The courts just confirmed what I have been saying all week: The Trump Administration was making a choice – an illegal one at that – to cruelly cut off food assistance for Wisconsinites,” said Senator Baldwin. “This truly was politics at its worst. FoodShare in Wisconsin is a lifeline for working families and ensures children can go to sleep with full stomachs. The Trump Administration needs to stop dragging their feet and get these funds out the door immediately so no family has an empty fridge tomorrow.
- Senator Tammy Baldwin