State Steps Up With Emergency Plan
Nevada isn’t waiting for Washington to get its act together. Governor Joe Lombardo just announced a massive emergency plan to make sure families don’t go hungry when federal food stamps run out on November 1st.
The state is putting $38.8 million of its own money into what they’re calling the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan. The Nevada National Guard is standing by to help deliver food. This is happening right now – not someday, not maybe, but right now.
About 495,000 Nevadans get SNAP benefits every month. That’s roughly $90 million in federal food aid. When the shutdown hits the one-month mark, those benefits stop. No November payments. Nothing.
Where the Money is Coming From
Governor Lombardo’s team moved fast. On Friday, October 24, they submitted an emergency work program for $5.9 million. By Monday, October 27, they added another $1.9 million. The Nevada Department of Agriculture restructured its budget to kick in $800,000 more.
The big chunk – $30.2 million – will come from the Interim Finance Committee’s contingency fund. The committee meets Thursday, October 30, to vote on it. They’ll also consider $200,000 to deploy the National Guard for food distribution.
This isn’t charity. It’s your tax dollars being used to help your neighbors when the federal government fails them.
WIC Program Already Saved
Here’s some good news. The state already saved the WIC program. That’s the one that helps pregnant women, new moms, and kids under five. The state approved $7.3 million in emergency funding on October 14. The Interim Finance Committee signed off on October 16.
More than 55,000 participants will keep getting their benefits through December 23, 2025. The money gets distributed weekly, but only if the feds don’t come through with their funding. Smart planning by the Governor’s team.
The SNAP Problem Remains
Now here’s the frustrating part. The state can’t directly fund SNAP benefits even though they have the money. Federal rules say no.
As the Governor’s office explained:
“Even if Governor Lombardo called a special convening of the Legislature and the Legislature opted to appropriate temporary SNAP funding, the State would not be able to directly fund the program.”
That’s why they’re going around the problem instead of through it. Food banks and community partners will get the emergency funds. The National Guard will help get food to rural areas where it’s hardest to reach people.
Who Actually Gets SNAP
Let’s clear something up. These aren’t all people sitting at home. In Nevada, 70% of SNAP households report some type of income. About 28% have earned income from jobs. Another 42% get unearned income like unemployment, Social Security, or TANF assistance.
Many families get small amounts. In October 2025, about 15.58% of Nevada SNAP households got $100 or less per month. About 8.4% got just $25 or less. For these folks, even a small benefit makes a big difference at the grocery store.
Democrats Demand State Action, But Won’t End Shutdown
Three Democratic Congress members – Steven Horsford, Dina Titus, and Susie Lee – wrote to Governor Lombardo demanding he call a special session to fund SNAP. They blamed Republicans for the shutdown.
Meanwhile, Senator Jacky Rosen and other Democrats have voted 13 times against reopening the government, according to Republican Representative Mark Amodei. They want to tie reopening to extending Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Governor Lombardo shot back: “We are doing everything within our authority to support Nevadans who are being hurt by the federal funding stalemate in Congress being fed by Democrats’ inaction.”
What Happens Next
The Interim Finance Committee meets Thursday. If they approve the funding, food distribution starts immediately. The money will help any Nevadan who needs food assistance – not just SNAP recipients.
If the shutdown ends before October 31, SNAP continues normally. If not, November benefits disappear. The state’s emergency plan kicks in, but it won’t fully replace the $90 million monthly SNAP program.
Take Action Now
Contact your representatives today. Tell them to stop playing politics with people’s food. Support local food banks – they’re about to get very busy. Check on elderly neighbors who might need help getting to food distribution sites.
This situation shows why states need more control over their own affairs. When Washington shuts down, Nevada should be able to feed Nevadans. Period.
*The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.*
