CHEYENNE (WNE) — Gov. Mark Gordon announced Tuesday he is exploring options around the potential suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

The governor’s first priority will be to ensure families across the state in need of assistance do not go hungry, a news release from Gordon’s office said.

“We in Wyoming know how important it is to solve problems which is why I know food pantries, churches and other organizations across the Cowboy State are ready to step up and help,” Gordon said in the release. “We are working on ways to provide assistance. In the meantime I have no doubt that Wyoming citizens will help by donating to their local food pantry, church pantry and charitable organization.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 29,000 people in 13,000 households receive SNAP benefits in Wyoming. The average monthly benefit is around $386 per household. The program spends around $5.2 million to $5.4 million per month on Wyoming families. SNAP participants in Wyoming received around $62 million in benefits in 2024. Children and seniors receive the majority of the benefits.