KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire’s residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been notified that the state has fully restored the November allotments — despite the ongoing federal government shutdown affecting many other states.

Because the state has issued full benefits, the planned weekly mobile food pantry scheduled for the rest of the month at the Keene Public Works Department is being cancelled, according to The Community Kitchen’s executive director, Barb Weisman. The pantry was set up as a contingency in case SNAP funding was disrupted due to the federal shutdown.

The federal shutdown, which began after Congress failed to pass a full appropriations bill, placed many federal programs including SNAP into uncertainty. Several states delayed or reduced benefit payments; others scrambled to find emergency funding.

Local food banks and pantries remain available for additional support, especially as demand remains high.

For more information, visit the NH DHHS’s Food & Meals Assistance page.