Rio Rancho community prepares for SNAP discontinuation

RIO RANCHO — Donations are a standard during the month of November, but now more than ever, local pantries are asking for help with both food and monetary donations. The reason is the risk that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be discontinued Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

On Friday, a Rhode Island judge told the President Donald Trump administration that SNAP benefits must continue despite the government shutdown.

According to the New Mexico Health Care Authority, the discontinuation is affecting 42 million individuals nationwide and approximately 460,000 New Mexicans.

“The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) is continuing to process SNAP applications and renewals. Federally funded food benefits will be issued as soon as federal money becomes available,” the website states. “We know many New Mexicans rely on SNAP to help feed their families. The state of New Mexico is working with partners to launch a statewide food emergency distribution plan to ensure families can access food and resources during this time.”

The website will provide regular updates going forward. But until funds are restored, local pantries are feeling the surge in need.

“SNAP benefits are at risk of being discontinued on November 1, 2025, due to the federal government shutdown, and our phone lines are ringing off the hook. We have never seen such a critical situation in the 33 years we have been supplying food to needy families, and we urgently require your financial support now,” a Storehouse West social media post reads.

Both the storehouse and St. Felix Pantry, Rio Rancho’s go-to pantries, were already seeing an uptick in needy people at their door.

But St. Felix isn’t backing away from helping the community.

“St. Felix has been helping those in need for 33 years, and we’re here if you need us now. The pantry is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All you need is a New Mexico ID to get started. Our guests can come once a week to receive food,” an Oct. 24 post states.

The state is also leaning in to help out. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Oct. 29 that the state will provide $30 million in state dollars starting Nov. 1 to ensure that low-income families continue to receive food benefits.

“The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have abdicated their responsibility to Americans in need, so we’re stepping up to help New Mexicans,” said Lujan Grisham in the announcement. “This $30 million in state funding will ensure that families, seniors, and children who need assistance will still be able to put food on their tables in November.”

The Health Care Authority will distribute $30 million in state-funded food benefits onto existing EBT cards for eligible New Mexicans on Nov. 1. The state dollars are separate from federal SNAP funding and are intended to help feed New Mexicans through roughly the first 10 days of November, it states in the release.

The state’s emergency response, according to the announcement, includes:

• $30 million in state funding for emergency food assistance.
• Forty executive orders authorizing $750,000 each (the maximum allowed for each executive order under state law) and declaring a state of emergency. The orders will also authorize the Health Care Authority to provide nutritional assistance to those otherwise eligible for SNAP benefits.
• Continuing to accept SNAP applications, as benefits will be tied to application dates when federal funding resumes.
• Partnering with community organizations, food banks and schools to reach vulnerable populations.

Local restaurants are also pitching in, offering free kids meals and discounts as families prepare for Nov. 1.

“As independent franchise owners and parents, we cannot stand to see any child without a meal. We’re here to help our community — because every child deserves to eat,” L&L Hawaiian BBQ posted.

They, along with Chicken Salad Chick, O’Hare’s and Turtle Mountain are offering free kids meals until funds are restored.

Delectable Baking Company on Northern Boulevard is also pitching in. Starting Nov. 1, the bakery is offering free sack lunches to kids and elderly members of the community. Additionally, the bakery is accepting food and monetary donations.

“Every day, families in our community will go to bed hungry with SNAP benefits frozen. Your donation helps us provide fresh meals and groceries to hose who need it most,” the bakery stated in a post.