.1 Million Fund Reallocation Announced to Support Senior Meals Program During Federal Shutdown

Governor Beshear Announces Reallocation of Funds to Support Senior Meals Program amid Federal Shutdown

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KBSI) — In a critical move to address rising food insecurity among senior citizens, Governor Andy Beshear announced the reallocation of .1 million to the Aging and Independent Living funding to bolster the Senior Meals program. This decision comes in response to Area Development Districts (ADDs) having exhausted previously allocated funds, thereby necessitating immediate action.

During a press briefing on Monday, Governor Beshear underscored the urgency of ensuring that no Kentuckian goes hungry, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly. “My administration has directed more dollars toward funding senior meals than any other administration in the commonwealth’s history,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to combating food insecurity. However, the Governor acknowledged ongoing fiscal challenges, including a projected 5 million budget shortfall and the loss of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, compounded by the prolonged federal shutdown that has persisted for 20 days.

Funding Details

Under the provisions of House Bill 6, the Governor has the authority to transfer funds from the original million Medicaid reimbursement allocation designated for fiscal year 2026, as this proposal was not approved by the General Assembly. The Governor’s office has received retroactive approval from legislative leadership for this transfer. In his efforts to create a sustainable solution, Beshear also called upon the Finance Cabinet to conduct a thorough review of the Senior Meals program. “It is imperative that we understand the cost per meal and eligibility criteria across all ADDs to ensure fiscal responsibility while adequately funding this essential service,” he stated.

Impact of Federal Shutdown

In addition to the funding for the Senior Meals program, Governor Beshear addressed the effects of the federal shutdown on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. He announced that Kentucky will temporarily fund TANF through the end of November, thus preventing disruptions for families who rely on this crucial federal support. This program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is designed to provide short-term financial assistance to needy families. However, Beshear cautioned that while funding is secured for November, the outlook for December remains uncertain. “The federal shutdown is having real impacts across our country and our commonwealth,” he remarked.

Supplementing Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The ongoing shutdown also poses a threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves over 600,000 Kentuckians. Governor Beshear noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has halted November’s funding, impacting many households that rely on these benefits. “One in eight Kentuckians rely on SNAP, many of them children and our most vulnerable,” he emphasized, assuring that his administration is committed to processing benefits as soon as federal funding resumes.

Despite these challenges, the Governor urged current SNAP recipients to remain informed by checking the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) website or their Self-Service Portal accounts for updates. The measures taken by Governor Beshear reflect an urgent response to immediate community needs in the face of federal uncertainties, emphasizing the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting its most vulnerable populations.