What They’re Saying: Governor McKee Acts to Support Rhode Islanders Facing Food Insecurity Amid Federal SNAP Funding Freeze
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee today declared a State of Emergency and announced a series of measures to support Rhode Islanders facing food insecurity as SNAP benefits are not expected to be distributed on November 1 due to the federal government shutdown.
Here’s what Rhode Island leaders and partners are saying:
“The upcoming Trump hunger wave is a disaster, just like any hurricane or snowstorm that could leave people in need. Until the federal government grows up, the only way we can guarantee that Rhode Islanders get food on their table is to take action right here at the state level,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “This is a time for Rhode Islanders to band together and support each other through the chaos in Washington. Let’s support our neighbors and our local businesses who rely on SNAP and who are being harmed by the reckless actions of the Trump administration.”
“As thousands of Rhode Islanders are faced with the reality of the loss of their food aid benefits, now more than ever, our residents who rely on SNAP benefits need us to come together as a community,” said East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, President of the RI League of Cities and Towns.
“It is our job as municipal leaders to play a prominent role in making sure that we distribute information to the public, not only about where those facing food insecurity can go to put food on their tables, but how our neighbors can come together as one and give back,” DaSilva added.
“Philanthropy alone can’t fill the gap, so we’re asking the public to help us keep food on the tables for our neighbors throughout the state,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, which is putting up $1 million in emergency grants. “Our hope is that the generosity of the public and our donors will generate another $1 million to match our grants.”
“The Rhode Island labor movement is ready to do our part to make sure our neighbors have food to put on the table,” said Patrick Crowley, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Today, we are donating $10,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and have established a network of food collection locations at union halls across the state. We will work with all our local unions and partners to do whatever it takes to see the people of Rhode Island through this crisis.”
“This lapse in SNAP benefits will have devastating consequences across our communities. It is a crisis. We are grateful to the Governor and community partners for coming together to help,” said Melissa Cherney, Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO. “As we wait for the federal government to reopen, please consider helping too by giving to your local food pantries or by making a donation to the food bank. We encourage people to visit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank website for more information, including where to get help if you need it.”
“This is catastrophic, not only for Rhode Island families, but also for our economy and for our state as a whole. Not being able to access food is literally a matter of life or death for many, and it’s coming at a time when too many of our neighbors are already on the brink. Wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, uncertainty surrounds Medicaid and Medicare, and now SNAP benefits—the very resource that keeps food on the table—are being stripped away. It’s a perfect storm, and it’s unacceptable. United Way and our 211 exist for moments like this, and we will continue doing what we do best: bringing people together to help and support Rhode Island families,” Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of RI.
“RI DHS is actively working with Governor McKee on these important interim measures, as well as the RI Community Food Bank, community partners, and the entirety of the agency to support Rhode Islanders in need during this moment of uncertainty,” said DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “DHS remains open and is actively continuing to accept new applications and personal case updates to ensure access to SNAP benefits immediately upon the resolution of this federal shutdown.”
