Gov. Beshear: Full SNAP Benefits Processed, Loading Onto Cards Today for Eligible Kentuckians
Members of Team Kentucky worked through night to process benefits as quickly as possible; recipients should see benefits on cards today
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2025) – After sharing late Friday that the state received approval to fully fund SNAP benefits, Gov. Andy Beshear announced this morning that eligible Kentuckians should see benefits loaded on their cards as soon as today. Thanks to the quick work of Team Kentucky, the commonwealth was one of the first states to process full benefits for recipients.
“Once again, members of Team Kentucky worked through the night to process SNAP benefits to ensure their fellow Kentuckians didn’t have to wait a minute longer to receive the support they need to feed their loved ones,” said Gov. Beshear. “Despite the President’s refusal to release these benefits, Kentucky has remained committed to doing everything we can to be there for our neighbors. Our government should fight hunger – not cause it – and we’re committed to leading with our values and doing what’s right.”
Due to the federal government shutdown, on Nov. 1, SNAP benefits – which almost 600,000 Kentuckians rely on to supplement their grocery budgets – were suspended. The Governor and Team Kentucky quickly took steps to help Kentuckians in need.
Gov. Beshear joined leaders from 24 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging the Trump administration over its unlawful decision to suspend SNAP. On Oct. 31, a federal judge ruled in favor of Kentucky and demanded that funding be partially restored. On Nov. 6, Kentucky became one of the first states to process those partial benefits.
Prior to that news and in preparation for any delays following the Oct. 31 ruling, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, directed $5 million from the budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky food banks, and authorized the Kentucky National Guard to assist in staffing food banks as needed. The Governor also directed more than $12 million in state funds during the month of November to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Team Kentucky is also hosting a food drive, accepting non-perishable food at main state office buildings in Frankfort and at the L&N Building in Louisville. Donated items are being distributed throughout the state via Dare to Care, God’s Pantry and the Christian Appalachian Project.
During his Nov. 13 Team Kentucky Update, the Governor named the Department for Community Based Services and the Office of Application Technology Services, both within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
“After notification from the federal government, these folks worked through the night to ensure their neighbors had access to food through their SNAP benefits in the morning,” said Gov. Beshear. “And now, as the shutdown comes to an end, this team is once again willing and ready to process benefits as quickly as possible. To these folks: You’re making a difference, and I am proud to work alongside you. Thank you.”
For updates, Kentuckians can visit the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) website or their Self-Service Portal (SSP) account.
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Gov. Beshear, Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund Award $2 Million in Childhood Cancer Family Support Grants
Funding will help families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund (KPCRTF) Board, pediatric cancer organizations and advocates at Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana to announce $2 million in grant funding to support Kentucky kids and families impacted by the disease. The grant funding went to seven local hospitals and nonprofit organizations that provide financial aid, emotional support and other critical services for families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
“Every child deserves to grow up healthy and happy, which is why Team Kentucky has been committed to helping fund childhood cancer research and support for these brave children and families,” said Gov. Beshear. “These incredible organizations help ease the burdens that families face after a pediatric cancer diagnosis, and I am hopeful these funds will support them as they continue this lifesaving work.”
This latest round of funding adds to the $1.9 million that Gov. Beshear announced in May, bringing this year’s total to more than $3.9 million awarded for family support grants. The funding comes from the record $14 million for pediatric cancer research and support that Gov. Beshear secured in the 2024-2026 state budget.
“Presenting these family support grants today is a powerful testament to the compassion of the entire commonwealth,” said Heather Jones, KPCRTF Board Member. “These funds go straight to the front lines of the fight, offering crucial psychosocial support. This direct support is just as vital as the research we fund; it’s where hope and healing begin.”
The celebration featured remarks from Gov. Beshear and grant recipients, as well as a powerful testimonial from Kristen McElroy, who spoke of the impact that two of the award recipients – Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana and Kids Cancer Alliance – had on her family and her son Kyler, who passed away from brain cancer in 2021.
Awards included:
- $500,000 to the University of Kentucky (UK) Markey Cancer Foundation for the Care Advancing Treatment Succession (CATS) Financial Assistance Fund for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
- $500,000 to Kids Cancer Alliance to expand its Financial & Bereavement Assistance Programs. The organization also hosts summer camps and retreats for pediatric cancer patients and their families, along with fun activities for kids who are receiving treatment in the hospital.
- $450,000 to Norton Children’s Cancer Institute to support the new Norton Children’s Cancer Institute Family Resource and Survivorship Center.
- $322,000 to Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana to expand its Pediatric Financial Assistance Program and support programming. Gilda’s Club provides social and emotional support for families living with cancer, offering more than 190 programs per month, all at no cost to participants.
- $150,000 to Book for Hope for its Just Imagine a Cure Project, which includes financial and in-kind support to childhood cancer patients and caregivers with critical needs, like car repairs so they can get to treatment, or medical equipment that is not covered by insurance.
- $48,000 to Super Drew’s Crew, which provides financial support directly to families facing childhood cancer. The organization was founded in honor of “Super Drew,” 10-year-old childhood cancer survivor Drew Esposito.
- $30,000 to Seth’s Squad for its stocking the pantry program, which provides snacks and food at the hospital for childhood cancer patients and their loved ones. The organization also provides family nights and support groups for families battling childhood cancer.
“Kids Cancer Alliance is honored to receive this support,” said Shelby Russell, executive director of the nonprofit. “Pediatric cancer places a significant and often overwhelming financial strain on families. This funding will allow us not only to reach more families affected by childhood cancer but also to provide deeper, more impactful support, helping parents focus on their child’s wellbeing instead of financial burdens.”
“I’m so thankful the state, Gov. Beshear and the trust fund have advocated for funding of not only childhood cancer research but also for programs that support the needs of families like mine,” said Kristen McElroy, mother of Kyler. “I can’t imagine what our family’s childhood cancer journey would be like without the incredible resources and organizations being honored today.”
About the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund
The Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund's mission makes childhood cancer a state health priority and access for all Kentucky children to innovative cancer research, precision therapy with less toxicity and comprehensive psychosocial support. Our efforts include a better understanding of cancer risk factors, epidemiology within the state and health implications of long-term survivorship. Our efforts target the needs and challenges specific to children of the commonwealth impacted by pediatric cancer to serve as a national model for other states.
Learn more here.
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UPDATED: Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Receives Approval for SBA Disaster Declaration Following UPS Plane Crash; Loan Application Open for Eligible Businesses
Small businesses in Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Oldham, Shelby and Spencer counties eligible to apply
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced his request was approved for a Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) following the UPS plane crash on Nov. 4. Now, eligible businesses in Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Oldham, Shelby and Spencer counties affected by the crash can apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan before the deadline of Aug. 17, 2026.
“This catastrophic crash took the lives of 14 of our people and devastated area businesses that support good jobs and provide services Kentuckians depend on,” said Gov. Beshear. “In every challenge we face, we act quickly to get the support our people need to overcome. These small business loans will help businesses – and our people – recover, which is the support the Louisville community needs and deserves right now.”
At approximately 5:14 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 4, UPS flight 2976 from Louisville, Kentucky, to Honolulu – an MD-11 – was involved in a catastrophic crash in Louisville that took the lives of 14 people, including three crew members and 11 citizens, and caused severe injuries to 18 others.
The crash, just south of the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, also caused extensive damages to businesses in the immediate area. Gov. Beshear submitted a letter of request to the SBA Administrator on Nov. 14, following a survey of the area by Louisville-Metro Emergency Management Services. The office identified 57 businesses in the immediate crash area that sustained damages ranging from total destruction to significant contamination.
Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 800-659-2955 for further assistance.
Following the Nov. 4 crash, the Governor declared a state of emergency and opened up a relief fund to help those affected.
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Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; SNAP benefits; high-ground communities in Eastern Kentucky; the Kentucky Lottery; highway improvements; Recovery Ready Communities; and support for businesses affected by the UPS plane crash. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, joined the Governor to provide an update on the second year of the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative.
First Lady Britainy Beshear provided updates on Violence Against Women Act grants and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) “Cram the Cruiser” food drive. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman provided updates on opportunities to see RISING – a documentary from Team Kentucky – and the Kentucky Main Street program. The Governor named Woodford County Emergency Management Director Drew Chandler this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.
Economic Development
The Governor announced that GE Appliances will award $40 million to four plastics suppliers in Kentucky in an effort to boost laundry manufacturing: EPC, a plastic fabrication company in Lebanon; Jones Plastic, a custom injection molder in Williamsburg that is headquartered in Louisville; Plastic Products Co. Inc., a plastic injection molder based in both Lebanon and Greenville; and another facility in Frankfort. Lee Lagomarcino, vice president of Clothes Care with GE Appliances, joined the Governor to talk about this announcement.
Gov. Beshear announced that Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky is once again expanding its presence in Georgetown, with a $204.4 million investment that will create 82 new manufacturing jobs and boost production of hybrid vehicles. The project is part of a larger initiative, an overall $912 million investment creating 252 new jobs across the company’s plants in Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia.
SNAP Benefits
Gov. Beshear also provided an update on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, after Team Kentucky worked through the night last Friday to restore full benefits for eligible Kentuckians. The Governor announced that full benefits were fully processed and were loading onto cards as of Saturday, Nov. 15.
Due to the federal government shutdown, on Nov. 1, SNAP benefits – which almost 600,000 Kentuckians rely on to supplement their grocery budget – were suspended. The Governor and Team Kentucky took steps to help Kentuckians in need.
- The Governor joined leaders from 24 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging the Trump administration over its unlawful decision to suspend SNAP. On Oct. 31, a federal judge ruled in favor of Kentucky and demanded that funding be partially restored. On Nov. 6, Kentucky became one of the first states to process those partial benefits.
- Gov. Beshear signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and directed $5 million to Feeding Kentucky food banks.
- The Governor authorized the Kentucky National Guard to support staffing needs at Feeding Kentucky food banks.
- The Governor also directed more than $12 million in state funds during the month of November to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
- Team Kentucky is hosting a food drive, accepting non-perishable food at main state office buildings in Frankfort and at the L&N Building in Louisville.
Today, the Governor shared that after receiving the $5 million from Team Kentucky, Feeding Kentucky was able to support around 28,000 people through their regional food banks. The Governor also shared that 55 Guard members supported efforts across eight food bank sites.
High-Ground Communities in Eastern Kentucky
The Governor shared that, this week, Louisville housing manufacturer MMY US shipped eight homes to the new Skyview high-ground community, located just outside of Hazard. Team Kentucky provided $1.6 million to help build these houses through a partnership with Family Scholar House. The eight new homes are scheduled to be move-in ready before Christmas, bringing the number of completed homes at Skyview to nearly 20. The Skyview community is planned to have just under 100 homes, with room for more on a neighboring property. Each will provide housing options out of the floodplain.
In total, Team Kentucky is making progress on eight high-ground communities, with the Governor sharing today that roadwork is now complete at both Skyview in Perry County and Chestnut Ridge in Knott County. Sidewalks have been completed at Skyview and are nearly complete at Chestnut Ridge.
Kentucky Lottery
The Governor announced that in fiscal year 2025, the Kentucky Lottery broke its all-time sales record with $2.1 billion in sales. The Lottery’s total impact in the commonwealth totaled $384 million – which is used to fund college scholarships and grant programs for Kentucky students and families.
Gov. Beshear also announced that Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Mary Harville will be retiring after five years in her role. The Governor announced that he has appointed Maggie Garrison as the new Kentucky Lottery President and CEO. Garrison will officially take the position following Harville’s retirement in February. Harville and Garrison joined the Team Kentucky Update to talk about the lottery’s success.
Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack provided an update on the second year of Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For November, the initiative is highlighting an important resource – the Kentucky Community Health Worker Program. Community health workers serve as vital links between patients, healthcare systems, and their communities. They support families every day – connecting Kentuckians to doctors, helping them understand diagnoses, schedule screenings, find transportation, apply for coverage, and more. Dr. Stack encouraged Kentuckians to utilize this important resource in their communities.
Highway Improvements
The Governor highlighted progress being made on building better roads and bridges. Since the start of the Beshear-Coleman administration, Team Kentucky has awarded $6.7 billion to nearly 3,500 highway construction projects. During the same time, Team Kentucky has replaced, repaired, or preserved 660 state and local bridges and improved 20,000 lane miles of pavement.
Recovery Ready Communities
Gov. Beshear announced that Estill, Henderson, Lewis and Warren counties are now certified as Recovery Ready Communities. By designating these counties as Recovery Ready, Team Kentucky is expanding access to assistance for drug and alcohol addiction for an additional 219,000 Kentuckians. This brings the total of counties certified to 35.
Support for Businesses Affected by UPS Plane Crash
Gov. Beshear announced that his request was approved for a Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) following the UPS plane crash on Nov. 4. Now, eligible businesses in Bullitt, Hardin, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby and Spencer counties affected by the crash can apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The deadline to apply is Aug. 17, 2026.
Violence Against Women Act Grants
The First Lady announced that Team Kentucky has awarded $2,110,702 in federal grant funding through the Violence Against Women Act to 29 agencies and organizations across Kentucky to help prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in the commonwealth.
KSP ‘Cram the Cruiser’ Annual Food Drive
Mrs. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to participate in the annual statewide “Cram the Cruiser” food drive to combat hunger throughout the commonwealth. The drive runs through Dec. 5.
RISING
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced more opportunities for Kentuckians to view RISING, a documentary from Team Kentucky. There will be two additional screenings: in Lexington at the Kentucky Theater on Dec. 4; and in Louisville at the Kentucky Center – Bomhard Theater on Jan. 15, 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit RISING.ky.gov.
RISING tells the story of the strength and resilience of Eastern Kentuckians as they undertake the most ambitious rebuilding effort in the nation following the historic 2022 floods. The Governor announced the documentary in September, and the official premiere took place on Sept. 18 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.
Kentucky Main Street Program
Lt. Gov. Coleman announced that in the first half of 2025, Kentucky Main Street communities reported $21.2 million in investments in downtown commercial districts, resulting in over 1,200 new jobs and 41 new businesses. This growth builds on the success of the New Kentucky Home initiative by revitalizing downtowns, attracting new businesses, and enhancing visitor experiences.
To further support local businesses, the Lieutenant Governor is encouraging Kentuckians to shop at their local Main Street on Shop Small Saturday. Main Street communities will be offering special shopping events and unique experiences for shoppers. For a list of participating Main Streets and events, visit heritage.ky.gov.
Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Woodford County Emergency Management Director Drew Chandler this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. This week, the International Association of Emergency Managers named Chandler the 2025 Emergency Manager of the Year. Chandler has navigated major emergencies, launched the Woodford Alerts emergency notification system co-founded the Kentucky Emergency Services Conference, and more.
“I’ve always said that Kentucky has some of the best emergency management teams in the world and now, one of Kentucky’s own has a title to back that up,” said Gov. Beshear. “Drew Chandler’s leadership over the last decade has transformed Woodford County’s program through his commitment to preparedness innovation and community collaboration.”
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