SNAP

Wyoming is one of 13 state yet to opt into the program known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer. The program provides $120 during the summer months for each school-age child who qualifies for free or reduced-price meals during the school year.

That’s following the back-and-forth about the funding of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown in November.

Seven hundred boxes of food went out into the community at the end of November, each with a package of bison meat from the reservation and chokecherry jam for elders.

In an ideal, theoretical world, Rep. John Bear (R-Gillette) says he’d like to see churches take more of a lead on some aspects of state government, like certain mental health and welfare programs.

The governor spent the week teasing priorities in his budget ask to lawmakers, which is expected to be released Monday.

Wyoming SNAP benefits could start hitting accounts as soon as Friday. Meanwhile, LIEAP has yet to be refunded by federal lawmakers.

The effort is a response to the ongoing back-and-forth about funding for federal SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps.

The money will go to organizations and churches running food banks and food pantries across the state.

The ongoing federal government shutdown is putting crucial food programs – and families that rely on them – at risk.

Roughly 28,000 Wyomingites receive SNAP benefits each month, with an average payment of about $185 per person.