MCJ also urged Attorney General Fitch to get clarity from USDA on using contingency reserve funds to ensure families do not go hungry during November
JACKSON, Miss. – As the federal government shutdown continues, nearly 350,000 families across Mississippi will not receive SNAP benefits for November, making it increasingly difficult to put food on the table for their children. In response, the Mississippi Center for Justice and 22 partner organizations issued a letter to Governor Tate Reeves urging him to use his administrative authority to declare a state of emergency and fund the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Across the nation, other governors have been taking decisive actions to ensure that families in their states do not go hungry during November, especially as families prepare for Thanksgiving. Virginia Governor Youngkin and Louisiana Governor Landry both declared states of emergency and established funds to support families with food assistance during the government shutdown.
“As Governor, you have the authority to declare a state of emergency by issuing a written proclamation for any major natural or man-made disaster,” wrote Kimberly Jones Merchant, president and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice, in the letter. “Leaving Mississippi’s babies and their families to be hungry during Thanksgiving is cruel and unnecessary, and further strains the hardworking families, seniors, children, and farmers across Mississippi.”
In a separate letter, the organization also urged Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch to seek clarification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding its directive to state agencies to deny SNAP benefits for November. At least 23 attorneys general have already written to the USDA about their directive and contingency plans.
The Mississippi organizations argue that the loss of SNAP benefits will not only impact families but also disrupt Mississippi’s economy since many small grocery stores serve families who depend on food assistance to purchase food.
“It’s going to be a pinch for us and every other grocery store,” said Johnny Mack, Manager of Miller’s Family Market. “On average, 60% of our sales come from EBT and WIC. It’s going to affect a lot of things besides grocery stores. People will have to use their cash to buy groceries. This will be a huge loss. It’s going to affect salaries and the hours our people can work. It’s just going to have a big impact on our businesses.”
“I will have to cut my payroll because my sales will not be near what they were,” added Wade Turner, owner of Turners Downtown Market. “It’s going to affect my sales because we are in a heavy SNAP benefit-laden area here in the Mississippi Delta. November is typically your biggest sales month of the year, with people traveling. We get 35-40% of sales from EBT.”
Members of the Mississippi Center for Justice are available to speak with reporters about the impact of the government shutdown on Mississippi families, as well as the actions they are taking to support families during this difficult time.
One direct action MCJ is taking is to go into communities and provide resources and education about alternative support sources for families. On Nov. 14, 2025, in Indianola, Mississippi, MCJ will host a Harvest Fest featuring fresh produce, food demonstrations led by a registered dietitian, food giveaways and more. The event will take place from 2-6 p.m. at the Indianola Community Wellness Center, 408 Moody Avenue, Indianola, MS 38751.
Read the letter to Governor Reeves here.
Read the letter to Attorney General Fitch here.
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The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) is a nonprofit law firm that advances racial and economic justice through litigation, policy advocacy, and community education. Through partnerships and direct legal services, MCJ works to ensure that all Mississippians have access to justice and opportunity.
Media Contact:
Tara Y. Wren, Ph.D.
Director of Communications
Mississippi Center for Justice
601-487-7504
twren@mscenterforjustice.org