FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky is launching a statewide food drive to help families facing the possible loss of federal food assistance this weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown.
During his weekly press conference, Beshear said collection boxes will be placed in the lobbies of major state office buildings in Frankfort and at the L&N Building in Louisville from Oct. 30 through Nov. 21. Donations of nonperishable food will be distributed by organizations such as Dare to Care, God’s Pantry, and the Christian Appalachian Project.
“We’re going to be really intentional about making sure these donations reach needy families across the state,” Beshear said. “I’m proud to work alongside so many incredible Team Kentucky members who care deeply about our families. Every donation will make a difference.”
The move comes as about 42 million Americans risk losing access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting Saturday, with federal lawmakers still deadlocked on a solution.
Earlier this week, Beshear joined a multi-state lawsuit with over two dozen Democratic officials challenging the Trump administration’s decision to halt SNAP benefits during the shutdown. A court hearing in the case was scheduled for Thursday.
The governor criticized the administration for failing to act, noting that SNAP benefits continued during previous shutdowns. “Let me be clear. The Trump administration can fund SNAP,” Beshear said. “It’s been done before, and the money is there. If this president can approve a $40 billion bailout for Argentina, he can fund SNAP for a lot less.”
According to USDA guidance, states are not authorized to cover SNAP benefits and be reimbursed later, leaving states to find interim solutions.
Other governors have taken action — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey pledged up to $13 million to food banks, while Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency and launched a temporary nutrition assistance program.
Beshear said Kentucky is evaluating options but acknowledged that no state measure could fully offset the loss of federal funding. He noted that SNAP provides $100 million monthly to nearly 600,000 Kentuckians, while the state’s rainy day fund holds $3.7 billion.
“All Donald Trump has to do is say, ‘I don’t want people to go hungry,’ authorize the SNAP payments, and our people will be OK,” Beshear said. “Either he acts, or his inaction will cause significant hunger.”
Later Thursday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced a local food drive with Dare to Care, noting that more than 84,000 Louisville residents rely on SNAP benefits.
The Kentucky Democratic Party also plans to hold a statewide food drive on Nov. 8, with county chapters collecting donations for local food banks.
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