Many people are concerned about how they will buy groceries as food assistance programs from the pandemic era finish and food prices climb. For more than 30 million Americans, the extra food benefits will stop on Wednesday.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will reduce the monthly benefits it provides to low-income families in 32 states by at least $95. Some families would suffer monthly losses of over $250.
According to estimates, the initiative, which began in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, prevented 4.2 million Americans from living in poverty. Food Bank for New York City President and CEO Leslie Gordon said that the number of people using the organization’s services has increased by almost double.
Gordon claimed that the options for those in need are already limited because food costs are already 11% higher than they were a year ago. George Capella, a former airline service agent, must rebalance his budget and hope for the best as the program comes to an end.
Californian parent Leticia Brito worries that she won’t have enough food. Experts advise getting in touch with state Human Services organizations and claiming any permitted deductions as a way to assist defray expenses.
Another option is to research the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC). Advocates for ending hunger claim that the program, which SNAP recipients are automatically eligible for, is underutilized.
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Food Bank Braces For Surge in Demand
Food banks in the area are preparing for a spike in demand. The pandemic-related rise in SNAP benefits is ending, which will affect payments to 30 million households, according to estimates. To meet rising demand, a food pantry in Westchester County was replenishing its shelves.
There has never been a busier market than the one at the Carver Center in Port Chester. It provided assistance to roughly 325 families a month in 2019. Following the pandemic, the clientele tripled. It is anticipated that it will continue to increase after SNAP benefits are discontinued.
Starting Wednesday, the monthly benefits received by nearly 30 million participants in the federal food stamp program will be reduced by at least $95 and, in some cases, by as much as $250.
As a result, fewer people will have money on their benefit cards to use for grocery purchases, and more people will turn to food pantries, like SNAP participant George Capella. Food banks claim that the additional SNAP funds helped low-income households budget for other costs.
The Carver Center is always looking for methods to maximize donations and funding. Nowadays, customers can choose their own from a market’s offerings rather than receiving a box of pre-packaged goods.
Hence, there is less food waste. Food pantries said they would appreciate any donations of money or items because the need is so great.
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