Louisville, Kentucky– People across the country formed long lines to get free meals, groceries at food pantries and gifts from cars on Saturday, after receiving monthly benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, He cut off suddenly Because of the ongoing Government shutdown.
In New York’s Bronx, about 200 more people than usual showed up to the World of Life Christian Fellowship International pantry, many wearing hats and winter coats and pushing folding shopping carts as they waited in a line that stretched across several city blocks. Some arrived as early as 4 a.m. to choose from fruit and vegetable stands, breads, milk, juice, dry goods and prepared sandwiches.
Mary Martin, a volunteer at the pantry, also relies on it regularly for food to supplement her SNAP payments. She said she usually splits about $200 a month in SNAP benefits between herself and her two adult sons, one of whom has six children and is particularly dependent on assistance.
“If I didn’t have the warehouse to come to, I don’t know how we would do it,” Martin said.
“I will not see my grandchildren suffer.”
Department of Agriculture I planned to withhold payments For the nutritional program starting from Saturday until… Two federal judges ordered Management to do. However, it was not clear when debit cards used by beneficiaries could be reloaded after the ruling, sparking fear and confusion among many beneficiaries.
In an apparent response to President Donald Trump, who said he would provide the money but wanted more legal guidance from the court, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell in Rhode Island ordered the government to submit a report by Monday on how it funds SNAP accounts.
McConnell, who was nominated by President Barack Obama, said the Trump administration must either repay the full amount by that day, or if it decides to tap $3 billion in an emergency fund, it must consider how to do so by Wednesday.
Delays in payments for SNAP, a key part of the nation’s social safety net that serves about 42 million people, have highlighted the financial vulnerabilities faced by many. At the Bronx food pantry, Pastor John Audo Okon said “people from all walks of life” are now asking for help.
“The pantry is no longer for the poor, the elderly and the needy. The pantry is now for the entire community, for everyone,” Audo Okon said. “You see people driving by and they come and park and wait to see if they can get food.”
In Austell, Georgia, people in hundreds of cars in drive-through lanes picked up bags of nonperishable and perishable food. MOST Ministries said it distributed food to about 1,000 people, which is more than the usual food delivery every two months.
Families in line said they were concerned about not getting SNAP benefits in time for Thanksgiving.
At a food distribution event at Calvary Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, James Jackson, 74, a SNAP recipient, said he is frustrated that people are being harmed by decisions made in Washington, and lawmakers must do more to understand the challenges caused by poverty and food insecurity.
“If you’ve never been poor, you don’t know what it means to be poor,” Jackson said. “I hope it changes. I hope people get SNAP benefits, and I hope we come together where we can love each other and feed each other and help each other.”
While there is usually a long line for Calvary Baptist Church events, the food pantry has seen increased demand recently with nearly 60 additional people showing up this week, said Pastor Samuel L. Whitlow.
And in Norwich, Connecticut, the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen and Food Pantry had 10 additional volunteers working Saturday to help a wave of expected new arrivals, making sure they felt comfortable and understood the services available. Along with groceries and hot meals, the location offered pet food, toiletries and blood pressure checks.
“They’re embarrassed. They have shyness. So you have to deal with that, too,” director Jill Corbin said. “But we’re doing our best to just try to welcome people.”
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Hay reported from Norwich, Connecticut. Associated Press photographer Mike Stewart in Austell, Georgia, contributed.