New Yorkers faced panic and hardship on Saturday as their SNAP benefits ran out due to an ongoing government shutdown, leaving millions potentially unable to afford their next meal. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, crucial for feeding families, was expected to cease funding over the weekend, affecting an estimated 42 million people nationwide, including 3 million in New York and 1.75 million in New York City.
Shoppers like Shamika Hough in the Bronx reported checking their SNAP balances only to find zero, forcing them to rely on dwindling personal funds and increasingly crowded food pantries. Hough described having to get up at 5 a.m. to secure a spot at a pantry, a situation he experienced even before the benefits dried up. The cost of basic groceries, like sausages and orange juice, for his family of four, already stretched his $500 monthly allowance, and the lack of SNAP made his financial situation dire.
The crisis stemmed from a stalemate over government funding, with Democrats refusing to drop demands for extending federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, leading to a partial government shutdown. In response to the SNAP benefit suspension, federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts issued temporary orders on Friday, deeming the administration's action unlawful and demanding the continuation of benefits. President Trump stated he instructed lawyers to explore legal avenues to fund SNAP as soon as possible, calling it an honor to provide the funding. The administration also funneled $65 million for emergency food providers.
Meanwhile, some elected officials and advocates are stepping up to help. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez launched a fundraiser for food pantries that are increasing their capacity to accommodate SNAP beneficiaries. However, many, like Tatiana Harris, an unemployed and HIV-positive individual with no food in her house, are left waiting until Monday for potential resolutions, expressing deep concern for themselves and their pets. Laura Diaz, a single mother, is preparing to ration food for her growing son or work more hours to co... download the app to read more
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