Governor Gordon Making Money Available To Food Pantries To Help Those Impacted By Loss Of SNAP Benefits

November 1, 2025

News – Sheridan Media

Governor Mark Gordon has declared a Public Welfare Emergency and issued an Executive Order (2025-08) authorizing up to $10 million in state emergency funds to ensure Wyoming families continue to have access to food if federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars run out due to the Schumer Shutdown.

Federal SNAP funding is considered discretionary spending.

Because Congress has not passed a funding resolution, federal resources may be exhausted as soon as November 1st, leaving Wyoming families without benefits.

“Food insecurity doesn’t care about political parties,” Gov. Gordon said. “Wyoming will not allow its citizens to go hungry because Washington can’t do its job.”

The Executive Order directs the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to coordinate with the State Budget Director to deploy emergency funds to charitable organizations and churches which have food banks, pantries, and mobile food pantries that distribute food to Wyomingites.

As well it directs DFS to issue grant agreements to ensure the funds are widely available to these organizations to assure nutritional food is widely available.

Finally, the EO directs the Director of DFS to submit a proposal for the distribution of the funds to the Governor for his review and approval by November 1.

This hunger relief plan will provide cost estimates, and lay out how the emergency support will be administered as long as the shutdown continues.

“The stress this government shutdown is placing on local organizations and churches dedicated to feeding hungry Wyomingites is significant, and we recognize their tireless efforts,” said Korin Schmidt, director of DFS. “We are prepared to distribute these crucial funds as quickly and efficiently as possible, allowing our partners to concentrate on ensuring their neighbors have food.”

Under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 9-2-1014.3, the Governor may authorize up to $10 million from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account (LSRA) when a “public welfare emergency” exists.

State statute defines such an emergency as a sudden and unforeseeable event that threatens the health or welfare of the public and requires immediate action when no other funds are available.

Gov. Gordon determined that the loss of SNAP benefits meets all statutory criteria.

“Many of Wyoming’s elderly and children rely on SNAP to put food on their tables. Our veterans and soldiers deserve nothing less,” the Governor said. “My first priority as Governor is to ensure the safety and well being of all of the citizens. I will not hesitate to do so.”

The emergency relief will be temporary and will discontinue once federal SNAP funding resumes.

Click here to read the executive order

Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) has also announced through the executive order that he is directing the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to begin the process of submitting a waiver request to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of certain foods that offer little or no nutritional value, such as sugary beverages, and candy.

“Wyoming taxpayers expect their dollars to support food assistance that helps families put healthy food on the table,” Gov. Gordon said. “SNAP is intended to help feed people, and Wyoming knows how to provide nutritious food. This order will ensure taxpayer funds are used to assist those in need to provide nutritious food for themselves and their family. This EO allows the Director of the Department of Family Services to continue the thoughtful, thorough review resulting in a sensible, implementable waiver for our residents.”

Under the Executive Order, DFS will conduct a full review of food items with low or no nutritional value currently eligible for purchase under federal SNAP rules.

After completing its review, DFS will determine which items should be excluded from SNAP purchases and prepare a plan that includes a list of proposed excluded items, all information required to request a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a phased rollout option to ensure accuracy and reduce administrative burden on retailers, particularly in rural communities.

“Our thoughtful approach to innovation and change has made Wyoming’s SNAP program one of the best nationally,” said Korin Schmidt, director of DFS. “We plan to use this same roadmap as we develop the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver, aiming to encourage healthier options for our SNAP families.”

Recognizing the complexity of administering the federal program, the order also directs DFS to consider the impact on Wyoming’s SNAP error rate, retailer participation, especially in rural areas, and any associated administrative costs.

“Wyoming will lead with common sense knowing food assistance should support only wholesome nutrition,” said Governor Gordon.