Delaware Distributes $5.2 Million in Emergency Food Relief Amid Federal Shutdown

NEW CASTLE, Del. — Nearly 60,000 Delaware households received emergency food assistance Friday as the state loaded additional funds onto EBT cards, providing temporary relief to families in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. The program, known as the First State Food… The post Delaware Distributes $5.2 Million in Emergency Food Relief Amid Federal Shutdown appeared first on TV Delmarva Channel 33.

NEW CASTLE, Del. — Nearly 60,000 Delaware households received emergency food assistance Friday as the state loaded additional funds onto EBT cards, providing temporary relief to families in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. The program, known as the First State Food Relief Fund, represents a state-led response to the federal government shutdown and the uncertainty surrounding federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The initiative follows a State of Emergency declared by Governor Matt Meyer on October 29, 2025, which authorized the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to distribute emergency support on a week-by-week basis for households eligible for SNAP. Monday’s $5.2 million disbursement represents roughly 25% of a household’s typical monthly SNAP benefits, and DHSS officials indicated additional weekly deposits may be made throughout November, depending on federal benefit distribution schedules. “Delaware families should never have to wonder where their next meal is coming from,” Governor Meyer said. “Delawareans cannot eat political promises, nor can they eat pending court rulings. We will continue to work tirelessly for affordability for every Delaware working family every week of the year, even when the federal government is focused on gold ballrooms and benefits for billionaires.”
DHSS Secretary Christen Linke Young described the funding as part of the department’s commitment to ensuring residents maintain access to essential nutrition support.
“We are prepared to issue additional weekly relief as needed,” she said. “Households should monitor their EBT accounts for updates as we work to bridge the gap until federal SNAP benefits are fully distributed.” Deputy Secretary Lisa Schieffert emphasized the department’s logistical efforts to ensure a smooth delivery of funds. “Our staff is working to make sure these emergency funds reach households quickly and efficiently,” she said. “As federal guidance comes in, we’ll continue to provide support and keep families informed about available resources.”
The emergency distribution comes at a critical time, as families across the state prepare for the holiday season amid federal funding delays. With nearly 60,000 households benefiting from the state’s intervention, the program provides immediate relief for families who might otherwise face food insecurity this month. Officials said the state will continue monitoring the situation and stand ready to release additional funds as needed. “This is about giving Delaware families the certainty they need to put food on the table,” Governor Meyer said. “Even as federal gridlock continues, we are taking concrete steps to ensure no family in Delaware goes hungry this month.”

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