SNAP benefits cut off during shutdown, driving long lines at food pantries

Long lines formed at food pantries across the United States as monthly benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were cut off due to a government shutdown. In the Bronx, New York, one food pantry saw about 200 more people than usual, with some arriving as early as 4 a.m. to receive free food. Volunteers and recipients alike expressed concern about how they would manage without the assistance. The Department of Agriculture had halted funding for SNAP benefits starting on a Saturday, leaving beneficiaries unsure when their electronic benefit cards would be reloaded. This uncertainty caused fear and confusion. A U.S. District Judge ordered the government to provide a plan for funding SNAP accounts by Monday, and if contingency funds were to be used, a decision was to be made by Wednesday. The disruption to SNAP benefits, which serve about 42 million people, highlighted the financial vulnerabilities of many individuals and families. Food pantries reported an increase in demand from a wider range of people, no longer just serving the traditionally needy but also those who have become food insecure... download the app to read more