Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio have taken swift action to ensure more than 18,000 Guam households continue receiving food assistance despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. The administration called a special legislative session last week to authorize local funding in case of an interruption to federal support. Lawmakers passed the emergency measure, which the governor signed into law immediately.
The new General Food Assistance Benefit (GFAB) program will provide locally funded food aid to offset the temporary suspension of federal SNAP support in November. The first portion of GFAB will be distributed on November 1 through the regular EBT release schedule, with local resources available to sustain families throughout the month if necessary.
“This is why protecting our revenue base is so important to me,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “When challenges arise, the only thing we can count on is one another. The strength of our community depends on the choices we make long before any storm approaches.”
Lieutenant Governor Tenorio said the action reflects fiscal discipline and compassion in leadership. “By acting quickly and responsibly, we ensured that no family goes hungry in November because of circumstances beyond our island’s control,” he said. “Behind every benefit card is a parent making sure their children have a meal and a sense of stability.”