The Ho-Chunk Nation has declared an emergency to ensure tribal members relying on federal food assistance don’t go hungry during the ongoing government shutdown.

     President Jon Greendeer issued an Executive Order on November 7, 2025, creating a temporary food-assistance program after the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Wisconsin as FoodShare, was disrupted by the shutdown.

     The move allows the Nation to use its own emergency reserve funds to provide direct grocery support for enrolled members currently on SNAP/FoodShare.

     “An emergency is hereby declared due to the suspension or disruption of SNAP/FoodShare benefits, which threatens the food security and welfare of affected citizens and households,” the order states.

     Under the new Ho-Chunk Supplemental Assistance: SNAP FoodShare program, enrolled tribal members who are current recipients of SNAP/FoodShare may apply for limited grocery support through the Nation’s website.

     Applicants must verify participation in the federal program using their MyAccess account documentation and complete a short application. The Nation will issue direct deposits as general welfare supplements in the same process used for its monthly payments.

     Households with one dependent will receive $200, those with two dependents will receive $300, and families with three or more dependents will receive $500.

     Funds must be used for groceries and essential food items, and recipients are required to submit receipts totaling the amount provided within 30 days. The program will remain active for 60 days or until federal benefits are restored.

     The urgency behind this action comes as nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites, including about 270,000 children, depend on FoodShare each month.

     The state typically distributes about $125 million in benefits monthly, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. But with the shutdown freezing federal payments, many families have been left uncertain about how to cover their basic needs.

     Governor Tony Evers condemned the federal government’s handling of the situation, emphasizing that Wisconsin acted lawfully and compassionately by ensuring families still received their FoodShare benefits.

     “Pursuant to and consistent with an active court order, Wisconsin legally loaded benefits to cards, ensuring nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites, including nearly 270,000 kids, had access to basic food and groceries,” Evers said. “After we did so, the Trump Administration assured Wisconsin and other states that they were actively working to implement full SNAP benefits for November and would ‘complete the processes necessary to make funds available.’ They have failed to do so to date.”

     President Greendeer’s executive order notes the Ho-Chunk Nation’s constitutional duty to safeguard the welfare of its citizens, saying the disruption to SNAP would cause immediate hardship to families who rely on these benefits for essential food security.

     By creating its own emergency program, the Nation is demonstrating a strong example of tribal sovereignty and community care, one that other tribal governments may look to replicate if the shutdown continues.

     Food insecurity in Wisconsin affects roughly one in ten residents, with Native households often experiencing even higher rates due to limited grocery access and increased food costs. About 40 percent of FoodShare recipients statewide are children, while seniors make up around 12 percent of those receiving assistance.

     “Whether the funding is restored or not,” the Nation’s public announcement read, “we want you to know we are here for you.”