Food banks across the country are experiencing rising demand and resource shortages due to a prolonged government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding the funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
John Sillars, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans, told Good Morning America, “Even before the shutdown, demand was up for our services as a result of USDA policy changes. We are looking to community support more than ever. But we are going to serve those people as best we can.”
Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest in New York City, shared with ABC News, “At City Harvest, we know from experience that even a single missed paycheck or delayed benefit can force families to seek food assistance. We have been distributing food at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, and near LaGuardia and JFK airports to support federal workers impacted by the shutdown.”
**What Happens Next?**
Judge Talwani ordered the federal government to advise the court by Monday on whether they will use the emergency reserve funds to provide reduced SNAP benefits for November or fully fund the program “using both contingency funds and additional available funds.”
The situation remains critical as food banks and federal workers await clarity on the program’s funding and support. Community support continues to play a vital role in helping those in need during this uncertain time.
https://www.newsweek.com/what-food-banks-need-amid-snap-funding-crisis-10976399