Hunger Relief Program ends as SNAP benefits resume

CASPER (WNE) — The return of food stamps to more than 12,000 Wyoming households marks the end of the state’s Hunger Relief Program, a temporary measure to offset the impacts of the federal government shutdown.

Gov. Mark Gordon issued an executive order Oct. 31 allowing for up to $10 million in state emergency funds to be sent to food banks and pantries across the state.

The temporary program distributed nearly $1.2 million in its first week and roughly the same amount the next week, with nearly all of the funds going to the Food Bank of Wyoming or directly to food pantries associated with the Food Bank of Wyoming, according to data from the Department of Family Services.

The state allocated the emergency funds to Food Bank of Wyoming partners as credits to order food at no cost, Executive Director Danica Sveda told the Star-Tribune.

“We know that the loss of SNAP for two weeks for family budgets had a huge impact, and so we anticipate that the need will continue on,” Sveda noted.

Benefits were issued to EBT cards on Friday, spokeswoman Kelly Douglas told the Star-Tribune. Recipients can call 1-877-290-9401 or check the ebtEdge website to see their benefit status before using their EBT cards.

The Department of Family Services continued processing applications and conducting interviews during the government shutdown, and newly approved recipients received benefits sent out Friday, Douglas said.

As of Friday, there is no backlog for the application process or deciding if applicants are eligible for benefits, she added.

This story was published on Nov. 17, 2025.