LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than 1 million people in Kentuckiana are about to lose the federal benefits they depend on to feed their families.
Late Friday afternoon, two federal judges ordered the government to use contingency funds for SNAP payments
SNAP benefits are set to expire Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues.
Two federal judges ruled the program must be funded using contingency funds after a challenge from Democratic state officials. The judges gave President Donald Trump's Administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November.
Some lawmakers are now calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to reopen the House for a vote.
In Kentucky, nearly 600,000 people rely on SNAP benefits. That's about 12% of the population. At least 48,000 households receive SNAP payments in Jefferson County alone.
In Indiana, roughly 586,000 Hoosiers rely on those benefits. That's about 9% of the state's population.
Now, Louisville nonprofits are coming together in an effort to keep fewer Jefferson County families from going to bed hungry.
Food insecurity in Louisville is not new, but local organizations say the current crisis is shining a brighter light on that need. That’s why Metro United Way has partnered with local businesses and nonprofits to give Kroger gift cards directly to SNAP recipients.
It's part of the "Hardship to Hope Food Relief Fund."
"This is the time that requires our community in its entirety to rally together," said Metro United Way President & CEO Adria Johnson.
The fund is starting off with a $500,000 donation. That money will go toward electronic Kroger gift cards to be given to those in need this November.
The program will roll out Nov. 3 for Jefferson County residents. Residents can apply on Metro United Way's website, where they will upload proof of their SNAP eligibility.
Once verified, families will received a digital Kroger gift card for $200 to $350, to spend on groceries. The balance will vary based on the size of each household. But the hope is to give people enough groceries to last them for a week or two, discreetly.
"There are a lot of people on SNAP that we would never know about," Metro United Way Chief Policy Officer Liz McQuillen said. "It's neighbors, it's friends, it's people who are hard working and they deserve the resources to access food with dignity, just like everybody else."
Officials said they're initially prioritizing seniors and households with children who were expecting their SNAP benefits the first week of November.
Metro United Way hopes to expand this effort, and support Bullitt, Oldham, and Shelby counties in Kentucky and Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana by the end of next week.
"If you need help, reach out," Johnson said.
CLICK HERE to access the application for the United Way's Hardship to Hope Food relief.
CLICK HERE if you'd like to make a donation to the fund.
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