RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Governor Larry Rhoden is urging South Dakotans to support their neighbors and emphasizing the importance of community-driven efforts, especially through churches and food banks, amid a prolonged federal shutdown that threatens November SNAP benefits.

In a statement issued on Oct. 31, he said relying on local efforts to help neighbors are a more reliable safety net than federal aid.

This comes as state lawmakers are urging the governor to call a special session as tens of thousands of South Dakotans are in danger of losing badly needed SNAP benefits this weekend.

The Joint Democratic Caucus of the South Dakota Legislature sent Governor Rhoden a letter Oct. 30, pushing for the state to use budget reserves to continue those benefits uninterrupted.

Lawmakers say around 75,000 South Dakotans rely on snap which costs About $15 Million a Month. That helps them meet basic nutritional needs, according to the caucus, which also warns failing to act will result in the destabilization of local economies.

Right now, no immediate state action is planned to replace federal funding, but Gov. Rhoden says the Department of Social Services will continue processing applications to prepare for the government’s reopening.