As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of Nevada families who depend on federal nutrition programs are feeling the strain of uncertainty. Governor Joe Lombardo’s office released information on Oct. 27 stating that his office and multiple state agencies have moved to protect access to food benefits for women, children, and low-income households.
Nevada’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program serves more than 55,000 participants statewide, including pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Lombardo is working with the Division of Public and Behavioral Health and the Nevada Office of Emergency Management. The governor requested $7.3 million in emergency funding to keep WIC benefits flowing through Dec. 23, 2025.
The Nevada Board of Examiners approved the funding on Oct. 14, followed by the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) on Oct. 16. These funds will be distributed weekly and used only if the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not provide additional WIC support. State officials described the move as a proactive step to prevent service disruption and reaffirm Nevada’s commitment to public health.
The funding situation for those relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) differs from that of those receiving WIC benefits. Nearly half a million Nevadans depend on SNAP benefits. The program distributes roughly $90 million in federal dollars each month to help households purchase food, and those funds cannot be replaced at the state level.
“SNAP is 100% federally funded,” the governor stated. “The State does not have this amount of funding available in emergency accounts or the contingency fund.” Even if the Legislature were to meet in a special session to allocate temporary funding, USDA regulations prevent states from directly financing SNAP benefits.
On Oct. 24, Governor Lombardo responded to Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04), Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) regarding their suggestion that Nevada use state funds to temporarily support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown. “We are doing everything within our authority to support Nevadans who are being hurt by the federal funding stalemate in Congress …,” Lombardo wrote. “I implore each of you to join in bipartisan efforts to reopen the federal government.”
As the federal shutdown has now extended beyond Oct. 31, officials warn there will not be sufficient federal funding to cover November SNAP payments. The Department of Social Services (DSS) is monitoring the situation closely and will follow federal guidance once the government reopens.
Recognizing the potential hardship for SNAP households, Governor Lombardo has directed state agencies to implement a coordinated response known as the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan. The initiative will secure supplemental food resources for families in need, using state funds to bridge gaps and provide emergency assistance.
Under the plan, the Governor’s Office of Finance, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Agriculture will work together to distribute food to those affected by the shutdown. The Nevada National Guard will also be on standby to assist with logistics and food delivery if necessary.
Funding for the Food Insecurity Nevada Plan will come from $38.8 million in state dollars, including $30.2 million from the IFC Contingency Fund and $8.6 million in emergency work programs. The Governor’s Office submitted $5.9 million in emergency funding on Oct. 24 and an additional $1.9 million on Oct. 27. The Department of Agriculture also restructured its budget to contribute $800,000 to the effort.
Lombardo has additionally requested $30 million from the IFC to support the plan and $200,000 for the Office of the Military to deploy the National Guard as needed.
The Interim Finance Committee convened on Thursday, Oct. 30, to review and consider these funding requests.
For families impacted by the shutdown, information on local food resources and assistance can be found at Nevada 211.
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