10/23/2025
FOR THOSE ON SNAP….
New Hampshire Announces Contingency Plan for Delayed SNAP Benefits
State to Partner with Food Bank to Expand Mobile Pantry for SNAP Recipients
Concord, NH – The State of New Hampshire announces that it has developed a contingency plan to assist Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by the federal government shutdown. In the event of a prolonged shutdown, November’s SNAP food benefits may not be issued until federal funding is restored.
To assist the more than 75,000 Granite Staters who receive SNAP benefits, the State plans to partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand the Food Bank’s mobile food pantry program. Upon approval by the Fiscal Committee and Executive Council, the Food Bank will be able to open up to 20 locations across the state, twice a week for the next 5 weeks. These additional food pantries will be for SNAP participants only.
“I want to thank our partners at the New Hampshire Food Bank for joining us in this effort to ensure vulnerable Granite Staters get the food they need in the event this shutdown continues,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “Now, politicians in Washington must get their act together and reopen the federal government so critical programs like SNAP and WIC can continue without disruption.”
“We recognize the importance of SNAP to New Hampshire residents, and we are monitoring this situation closely,” said Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Lori Weaver. “We are working with our community partners across the state in an effort to limit disruptions for people who are experiencing food insecurity and are committed to helping people connect with resources for food assistance until the federal government shutdown is resolved or benefits are restored.”
DHHS and the NH Department of Education are also reaching out to families in our school communities to notify them that the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, which provide free and reduced meals to children each school day, continue to be available for eligible families.
