Delaware Distributes Initial First State Food Relief Funds

NEW CASTLE (November 7, 2025)- Nearly 60,000 Delaware households woke this morning to find First State Food Relief Funds from the State of Delaware added to their EBT card balance. The deposits represent time-limited support to protect eligible Delawareans' access to food in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Families will be receiving texts and emails informing them that their benefits have been loaded.

The temporary relief fund program is a direct result of the State of Emergency declared October 29, 2025 by Delaware Governor Matt Meyer in response to the federal government shutdown. Under the State of Emergency, the State identified and transferred funds to the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to be disbursed to those eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance benefits on a week-by-week, as-needed basis, currently limited to the month of November.

"Delaware families should never have to wonder where their next meal is coming from," Governor Matt Meyer said. "Delawareans cannot eat political promises, nor can they eat pending court rulings. We will continue to work tirelessly for affordability for every Delaware working family every week of the year, even when the federal government is focused on gold ballrooms and benefits for billionaires."

Delaware's issuance of approximately $5.2 million - promised and delivered to EBT accounts today - represents 25% of an individual or household's normal monthly SNAP benefit. Additional weekly deposits of the state funds may be issued in November, pending disbursement of federal SNAP benefits.

"Today's funds reflect DHSS and Governor Meyer's commitment to keeping Delawareans connected to essential nutrition support," DHSS Secretary Christen Linke Young said. "DHSS is prepared to issue additional weekly relief as needed this month and we encourage households to monitor their EBT accounts for updates."

States have not yet received guidance for when to expect federal funds for disbursement of SNAP benefits to eligible individuals.

"We know how vital these benefits are to the families we serve," DHSS Deputy Secretary Lisa Schieffert said. "Our dedicated staff is working to ensure these funds reach households as smoothly as possible. As federal guidance comes in, we'll continue to do everything we can to make sure eligible households are supported and informed."