With SNAP benefits cut, NH steps in with a temporary fix

Jacob McGowin/Unsplash

By Katy Savage

November 5, 2025

A version of this story appeared in the Granite Post newsletter. Subscribe here.

Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to keep paying for SNAP benefits—but the administration has said it will only about half of what recipients usually receive.

In New Hampshire, that means roughly 75,000 people who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are getting less help putting food on the table. The average benefit here is usually about $160 per month.

To soften the blow, the state has rolled out a $2 million plan starting Nov. 5 for the next five weeks. The money will fund mobile food pantries for SNAP recipients only and boost traditional pantries that serve anyone in need.

To access SNAP benefits, you must present your EBT benefit card.

It’s a temporary move—normally, SNAP costs nearly $13 million in the state in that same timeframe.

“New Hampshire has been proactive putting together a contingency plan, but this is just a fraction of what SNAP benefits are usually in the state,” said NH Food Bank Executive Director Elsy Cipriani.

Meanwhile, the state says the WIC (Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program) is funded only through Nov. 7.

If you or someone you know is in need, share this link of where to find food in New Hampshire during the shutdown.

Author

Katy Savage

Katy Savage is the Granite Post's newsletter editor. Katy is an award-winning reporter with more than 10 years of experience working in daily, weekly, and digital news organizations as both an editor and reporter. Katy is a New England native and has a passion for telling stories about where she grew up.

Have a story tip? Reach Katy at [email protected]. For local reporting in New Hampshire that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Katy's newsletter.

View all posts

CATEGORIES:

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for New Hampshirites and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at Granite Post has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Granite State families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.