Over the weekend, demonstrators gathered outside the Georgia State Capitol demanding the restoration of SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the rally was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation and called on Gov. Brian Kemp to release state funds to support the 1.5 million Georgians who rely on SNAP, including about 640,000 children, disabled adults, and senior citizens.
Gov. Kemp stated that the state cannot distribute benefits without federal approval due to federal guidelines. However, the Party for Socialism and Liberation cited the Georgia Emergency Powers Act, claiming it allows the governor to use state funds during emergencies.
In response to the crisis, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced a pause on residential evictions and water shutoffs through January 2026. The Atlanta Community Food Bank also allocated $5 million for emergency food aid, though its leadership expressed concerns about meeting long-term needs. Kemp’s office said it is working with nonprofits and food banks to help affected residents.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation criticized both major political parties for their handling of the issue, arguing that available state funds could temporarily support the SNAP program. According to 11Alive, Georgia currently holds a $14.6 billion surplus, but Gov. Kemp’s office maintains that state dollars generally cannot be used to fund federal programs.
