Schools and nonprofits prepare as SNAP benefits set to lapse for 500,000 Kentuckians as shutdown continues

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - More than 500,000 Kentuckians will lose their food assistance benefits Saturday as SNAP funding lapses during the ongoing government shutdown.

The Senate adjourned for the weekend with no breakthrough on ending the shutdown, leaving less than two days before the benefits expire nationwide on Nov. 1.

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Schools and local nonprofits are preparing emergency measures to prevent hunger as the federal program stops.

Fayette County Public Schools has identified about 10,000 students who will lose SNAP benefits, representing 24% of the district’s student population.

“Many things are happening very rapidly, very quickly,” said Michelle Coker, FCPS nutrition director who has run the school system’