McKee, DaSilva announce measures to meet food demand ahead of Saturday SNAP shutoff
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee declared a state of emergency via executive order Tuesday, aimed to assist residents who will be affected by Saturday’s cut off of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
McKee and other state departments have targeted $6 million from federal programs to assist 20,000 eligible Rhode Island families with children.
On November 1, eligible families will receive half of their normally allotted EBT card funds with the measures.
McKee said in his announcement Tuesday:
The executive order I’m issuing today allows the state to provide emergency assistance to SNAP recipients. We’re doing everything we can to prioritize the nutritional needs for Rhode Island families and children.
McKee said that his office will continue to explore other options to assist the 80,000 state residents who are not eligible for support from the $6 million in funding.
$200,000 in emergency funds are being directed to the Rhode Island Community Food bank in anticipation of the surge in demand.
East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva is also working to assist residents affected by the shutdown SNAP pause.
He will be working with the local nonprofits to create a city-wide food drive.
DaSilva posted the following list of locations to his Facebook page.
FEED RI
310 Bourne Ave., Building 70, Rumford
Monday & Wednesday 3pm-6pm
Tuesday & Thursday 12pm-3pm
Saturday 8 a.m.-noon
