Find A Food Bank In Rhode Island As Shutdown Stalls Federal Food Aid

Across Rhode Island, food banks are bracing for a potentially massive influx as SNAP recipients won't see their benefits next week due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Following the shutdown Oct. 10, the USDA sent a letter to state agencies directing them to put an indefinite hold on November benefits.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA notice says.

Despite the claim in the FDA notice, federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump's administration must continue to fund SNAP, the nation's biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.

Related: Judges Order Trump Administration To Cover SNAP With Contingency Funds

The two judges gave the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November.

It wasn't immediately clear how quickly the debit cards that beneficiaries use to buy groceries could be reloaded after the ruling. That process often takes one to two weeks.The rulings are likely to face appeals.

Related: RI Attorney General Neronha Sues Trump Administration For SNAP Funding Freeze

Beginning Saturday, the agency said there will be no benefits sent to the 1 in 8 Americans, roughly 42 million, that SNAP serves. About 145,000 Rhode Island residents receive SNAP benefits.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, who joined other attorneys general and governors in a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the funding freeze, called the president a liar.

“When the President and his Administration blame lapsing SNAP benefits on the government shutdown, they are lying to you,” Neronha said in a media release.

Related: Rhode Island Gov. McKee Declares State Of Emergency Over SNAP Funding Freeze

"So, as the President prioritizes golden ballrooms over access to food, we will continue to fight on behalf of all Americans,” Neronha said

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank lists 125 locations throughout the state.

Call ahead to check when pantries are open and what locations they may be popping up at throughout your community.

Related: Rhode Island SNAP Benefits Won't Go Out In November, Officials Confirm

Gov. Dan McKee, who declared a state of emergency in the face of the SNAP funding freeze, directed $200,000 of Social Services Block Grant funding to enhance capacity at the RI Community Food Bank.

“President Trump’s failure to act is cruel and unacceptable,” McKee said in a media release.

Related: SNAP Benefits May Change In Rhode Island Due To Government Shutdown

“I’m continuing to call on the President to use all available options to cover November benefits," he said. "But make no mistake, Rhode Island will not stand by and allow families to go hungry. We’re taking decisive action to protect food access wherever possible and strengthen our local food banks.”

Related: Trump Freezes $13.4M In RI Funding To Pressure Democrats To End Shutdown: Report

The Associated Press contributed to this report.