SNAP Benefits End in Connecticut Nov. 1; Relief Uncertain

Connecticut leaders are moving quickly to tackle a growing food crisis caused by the federal government shutdown and the sudden loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Governor Ned Lamont just announced an emergency $3 million state funding package for Connecticut Foodshare. This move aims to get millions of meals out to residents across the state who need them most.

Starting November 1, about 360,000 Connecticut residents will see their federal food assistance reduced or stopped altogether. State officials and nonprofit groups are scrambling to prevent widespread hunger as the situation unfolds.

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State Steps In to Fill the Gap

At Foodshare’s Wallingford headquarters, Governor Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro rolled out the emergency plan. The $3 million state boost means Connecticut Foodshare can distribute six million meals over just two weeks.

These meals will go through more than 650 local food banks, mobile pantries, and meal programs. Communities in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Norwich, and plenty of other towns will get direct support.

Foodshare’s Additional Contribution

Foodshare’s board also chipped in, approving $1 million from its own reserves to strengthen the relief effort. Nonprofits like Foodshare are stepping up big time, working alongside government leaders to help those at risk during a crisis like this.

The SNAP Shutdown Impact

This plan comes together because the federal government can’t keep SNAP benefits going during the shutdown. Usually, Connecticut households get about $72 million in SNAP support every month.

With no federal action, new benefits won’t go out in November. People can still use any leftover funds on their EBT cards, but that’s it for now.

Communities at Risk

Towns like Danbury, Stamford, and New Britain could feel the loss the hardest. SNAP is a lifeline for many families there, often their only steady source of groceries each month.

Political Frustrations and Criticism

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro hasn’t held back, criticizing the Trump administration for refusing to use $5 billion in contingency funds to keep SNAP afloat. She called the move “cruel” and “illegal,” highlighting the harsh reality that hundreds of thousands will suddenly face food insecurity.

Bipartisan Agreement

State legislators on both sides of the aisle agree: this shutdown exposes serious dysfunction in Washington. They know the $3 million state aid package is just a stopgap, not a real fix.

Looking Toward a Long-Term Solution

Governor Lamont and legislative leaders are now considering a $500 million state response fund to handle future federal program cuts. They’re talking about a special legislative session in mid-November to formalize these plans and try to make Connecticut more resilient if this happens again.

What Residents Need to Know

The emergency funding might help for now, but real solutions take ongoing policy work and cooperation between local and federal leaders. Folks in affected towns should use community resources like food pantries, mobile food units, and meal programs until SNAP benefits return.

Accessing Emergency Food Assistance

Connecticut Foodshare’s expanded operation reaches people statewide, from West Hartford to East Hartford and everywhere in between.

With 650 sites mobilizing, families have a bunch of options to get nutritious food.

Residents should check local resource directories to find nearby assistance programs. It’s not always obvious where to start, but those directories can really help.

Food banks across Hartford County, New Haven County, and Fairfield County are scaling up operations.
Mobile food pantries make scheduled stops in places like Norwich, Stamford, and Bridgeport.
Meal programs serve hot meals daily in communities such as Danbury and Waterbury.

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Here is the source article for this story: SNAP benefits to end in CT Nov. 1 without additional aid as Gov. Lamont weighs relief possibilities

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