PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee declared a state of emergency via executive order Tuesday, aimed to assist residents who will be affected by Saturday’s cut off of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.

McKee and other state departments have targeted $6 million from federal programs to assist 20,000 eligible Rhode Island families with children.

On November 1, eligible families will receive half of their normally allotted EBT card funds with the measures.

McKee said in his announcement Tuesday:

The executive order I’m issuing today allows the state to provide emergency assistance to SNAP recipients. We’re doing everything we can to prioritize the nutritional needs for Rhode Island families and children.

McKee said that his office will continue to explore

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