10/23/2025
📢 DHHS Update: In response to the federal government shutdown, the State of New Hampshire has announced a contingency plan to support SNAP recipients. The NH Food Bank will expand its mobile pantries across the state to ensure access to food during this time.
Learn more and find available resources ⬇️
New Hampshire Announces Contingency Plan for Delayed SNAP Benefits
State to Partner with Food Bank to Expand Mobile Pantry for SNAP Recipients
Concord, NH – The State of New Hampshire announces that it has developed a contingency plan to assist Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by the federal government shutdown. In the event of a prolonged shutdown, November’s SNAP food benefits may not be issued until federal funding is restored.
To assist the more than 75,000 Granite Staters who receive SNAP benefits, the State plans to partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to increase SNAP recipients’ access to food through the Food Bank’s mobile food pantry program and traditional food pantries located across the State. Upon approval by the Fiscal Committee and Executive Council, the Food Bank will provide mobile food pantries specifically for SNAP participants in locations identified by the State. The Food Bank will also provide more food options to SNAP participants at traditional food pantries.
“I want to thank our partners at the New Hampshire Food Bank for joining us in this effort to ensure vulnerable Granite Staters get the food they need in the event this shutdown continues,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “Now, politicians in Washington must get their act together and reopen the federal government so critical programs like SNAP and WIC can continue without disruption.”
“We recognize the importance of SNAP to New Hampshire residents, and we are monitoring this situation closely,” said Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Lori Weaver. “We are working with our community partners across the state in an effort to limit disruptions for people who are experiencing food insecurity and are committed to helping people connect with resources for food assistance until the federal government shutdown is resolved or benefits are restored.”
DHHS and the NH Department of Education are also reaching out to families in our school communities to notify them that the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, which provide free and reduced meals to children each school day, continue to be available for eligible families. For more information on these programs, please visit https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-wellness-and-nutrition/office-nutrition-programs-and-services-onps/national-school-lunch-program.
SNAP recipients may not be able to access any unused benefits on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and want to consider using benefits currently on their EBT cards before October 31. People receiving SNAP can check their EBT card balances by visiting www.ebtedge.com or calling 1-888-997-9777. Individuals who receive Cash Assistance on their EBT cards will continue to be able to access those benefits. DHHS is still processing new SNAP applications and people are encouraged to continue to apply.
WIC Impacts
Earlier this week, the State announced it had secured additional funding to sustain food benefits for the 13,000 people in New Hampshire participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) until at least November 7.
However, if the federal shutdown lasts into November, funding will not be available to support Local WIC Agencies after October 31. The following Local WIC Agencies will close starting on November 1.
Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties
Goodwin Community Health
Community Action Partnership Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties
Southwestern Community Services
While Local WIC Agencies are closed, WIC participants can continue to receive benefits and food balances on the WIC Shopper app or by calling 855-279-0680. Anyone with additional questions can call DHHS at 800-942-4321.
Resources are available for people experiencing food insecurity, including city and town welfare offices and local food pantries. Granite Staters can call 211, or visit the New Hampshire Food Bank’s Food Map for a full listing of food assistance programs.
For more information about WIC and SNAP, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/food-meals-assistance/snap-and-wic-federal-shutdown-information. Updates will be posted as soon as information becomes available.
