Georgia NAACP Urges State to Use Emergency Funds to Support SNAP and WIC During Government Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown stretches on, many Georgia families are facing a harsh new reality: the possibility of losing access to food assistance programs that help them feed their children and keep food on the table.

The Georgia NAACP is calling on state leaders to take immediate action. The organization, led by President Gerald Griggs and Incoming President Gwen Westbrooks, is urging Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly to release emergency surplus funds to temporarily sustain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program during the shutdown.

Why This Matters for Georgia Families

In Georgia, more than 1.6 million residents rely on SNAP benefits to help purchase groceries each month. The WICprogram provides critical nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. With the federal government partially closed, these programs face funding interruptions that could leave families without the support they depend on.

“The federal shutdown has placed millions of vulnerable Georgians at risk of hunger and hardship,” said Gerald Griggs, President of the Georgia NAACP. “Families, seniors, and children who rely on SNAP and WIC cannot afford to wait while Washington remains in gridlock. Georgia has the resources—and the moral responsibility—to step up and protect its citizens.”

Georgia currently holds a significant budget surplus. The Georgia NAACP believes that these emergency funds should be used to bridge the gap until federal funding resumes, ensuring that no Georgian goes hungry because of political inaction in Washington.

A Humanitarian and Moral Issue

This issue goes far beyond politics—it’s about people. When a government shutdown disrupts food assistance, it hits the most vulnerable first: working families living paycheck to paycheck, seniors on fixed incomes, and parents doing everything they can to care for their children.

Incoming Georgia NAACP President Gwen Westbrooks emphasized the urgency of compassionate leadership in this moment:

“This moment requires leadership rooted in compassion and equity. We urge the Governor and state lawmakers to ensure that no child, mother, or senior goes hungry because of political stalemate. The Georgia NAACP stands ready to work with state agencies and community partners to bridge this gap and protect our people.”

Both leaders agree that Georgia has an opportunity to set an example for the nation by acting swiftly to protect those in need.

What the Georgia NAACP Is Calling For

The organization is urging the state to take three immediate actions:

1. Allocate emergency surplus funds to temporarily fund SNAP and WIC programs until the federal government restores operations.

2. Partner with local agencies, food banks, and nonprofits to distribute emergency food resources efficiently across rural and urban communities.

3. Provide clear and transparent communication to families so they know where to turn for help during the shutdown.

   
   

As Gerald Griggs stated, “Food should never be a political casualty. We urge state leaders to act swiftly, compassionately, and decisively to ensure no Georgian goes hungry because of federal inaction.”

A Community Ready to Help

The Georgia NAACP has a long history of standing up for fairness, equality, and community resilience. In moments like this, the organization believes that leadership must rise above partisanship and focus on human needs first.

Across Georgia, local NAACP branches, churches, and community organizations are already mobilizing to support residents who may be affected by the shutdown. But community action alone cannot replace the scale of support that federal and state programs provide. That’s why the Georgia NAACP is calling for immediate state-level intervention to fill the gap.

Moving Forward Together

The Georgia NAACP’s message is clear: hunger should never be a consequence of political gridlock. State leaders have the power and the means to protect Georgia families right now.

“This is about ensuring dignity for every Georgian,” said Gwen Westbrooks. “We have the tools, the compassion, and the financial capacity to make sure no one goes hungry. It’s time to use them.”

As the government shutdown continues, the Georgia NAACP is encouraging residents to stay informed, reach out for assistance if needed, and continue to hold elected officials accountable for protecting the welfare of all Georgians.

For updates and resources, visit www.naacpgeorgia.org or contact your local NAACP branch.