Governor McKee Acts to Support Rhode Islanders Facing Food Insecurity Amid President Trump’s SNAP Funding Freeze
Published on Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Governor McKee issues State of Emergency, deploys up to $6 million in payments for families with children, directs $200,000 in emergency food bank support, and launches a statewide call to action to help keep Rhode Islanders fed
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today declared a State of Emergency and announced a series of actions to support Rhode Islanders as the Trump Administration is threatening to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding beginning November 1.
In Rhode Island, SNAP delivers about $29 million each month in essential food assistance to approximately 145,000 residents. SNAP is a crucial federal responsibility that no state can absorb. Under past shutdowns, the federal government had ensured that SNAP benefits were provided using available federal funding sources to prevent a lapse in benefits.
“President Trump’s failure to act is cruel and unacceptable,” said Governor McKee. “I’m continuing to call on the President to use all available options to cover November benefits. But make no mistake, Rhode Island will not stand by and allow families to go hungry. We’re taking decisive action to protect food access wherever possible and strengthen our local food banks.”
Governor McKee convened a rapid response team of key agencies to coordinate the state’s strategy and held a statewide briefing with municipal leaders to ensure a unified response.
As a result of this work, this afternoon, Governor McKee was joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, President of the RI League of Cities and Towns Mayor Bob DaSilva, President and CEO of the RI Foundation David Cicilline, RI AFL-CIO Patrick Crowley, CEO of the RI Community Food Bank Melissa Cherney, United Way of RI President and CEO Cortney Nicolato and RI Department of Human Services Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito to announce:
- Emergency Payments for Families with Children: Governor McKee is deploying up to $6 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to provide an emergency payment to help over 20,000 eligible families with children (approximately 65,000 individuals) offset the loss of federal SNAP benefits. If the federal government continues to fail to fund SNAP, the first state payment would be deposited directly onto EBT cards as of November 1, with the second following on November 16. According to federal regulations, TANF funds can only be directed to qualifying families with children.
- Emergency Funding to the RI Community Food Bank: Governor McKee is directing $200,000 of Social Services Block Grant funding to enhance capacity at the RI Community Food Bank. After meeting with the Governor’s office last week, the RI Community Food Bank has already placed an initial bulk order to help ensure resources are mobilized and ready to be distributed to food pantry partners in local communities across the state.
- Statewide Call to Action: The Governor is issuing a statewide call to action for donations to support food pantries. Every donation helps purchase and distribute more meals statewide.
Governor McKee marked this call to action by announcing that the Rhode Island Foundation is earmarking $1 million in emergency grants to help feed people until the federal funding is unlocked.
The Foundation will send $200,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank immediately to help ramp up the food supply to its network of more than 100 food pantries and meal sites. The remaining $800,000 will be distributed to nonprofits directly by the Foundation through its Community Partner Resilience Fund.
The partners have created a place for the public to donate to the effort: rifoundation.org/food.
The Governor also announced a $10,000 donation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank from the RI AFL-CIO. Rhode Island AFL-CIO has established 10 food donation locations at union halls throughout the State.
United Way of RI, a trusted community partner and convener with significant experience in emergency response and supporting the state during times of crisis, is mobilizing its network of community, labor, and corporate partners to host food collections across the state in support of local hunger-relief programs. Additionally, United Way of RI is exploring an opportunity to launch a statewide day of giving to harness the power of philanthropy and provide Rhode Islanders with a platform to donate to emergency food programs and help their neighbors in need.
Governor McKee continued, “In moments like this, Rhode Islanders stand together. I want to thank the municipal leaders, community partners, volunteers, and organizations already stepping up to support our neighbors.”
Helpful Information:
The Governor also announced the launch of a new online hub for SNAP updates during the shutdown. To access resources, donate, and find additional support, please visit SNAPsupport.ri.gov.
United Way of RI’s 211 help center—already available 24/7, 365 days a year, and in more than 200 languages—is expanding staff in preparation for increased call volume. United Way is also enhancing accessibility for in-person consultations at its 50 Valley Street headquarters in Providence.
The Elisha Project will deliver prepared grocery bags through trusted community organizations in Providence and Central Falls—the communities most affected by this disruption.
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services is coordinating with SNAP recipients and community organizations to keep Rhode Islanders informed.
As the federal government shutdown continues, the McKee administration is continuing to explore ways to support Rhode Islanders.