LOUISVILLE, KY. — People across the country lined up in long lines for free meals, food pantries and giveaways Saturday after monthly federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were cut off. suddenly interrupted due to ongoing government shutdown.
In New York City's Bronx, about 200 more people than usual showed up at the Peace of Life International Christian Fellowship food pantry. Many wore winter hats and coats and pushed collapsible shopping carts as they waited in a line that spanned several city blocks. Some arrived as early as 4 a.m. to pick out trays of fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, juices, dry goods and pre-made sandwiches.
Mary Martin, who volunteers at the pantry, also regularly uses it to get food to supplement her SNAP payments. She said she typically splits her roughly $200 a month in SNAP benefits between herself and her two adult sons, one of whom has six children and is particularly dependent on the assistance.
“If I didn’t have the pantry, I don’t know how we would have managed it,” Martin said.
“I will not allow my grandchildren to suffer.”
Ministry of Agriculture it was planned to suspend payments for the food program from Saturday to two federal judges ruled the administration will do them. However, it was unclear when the debit cards used by the beneficiaries would be able to be topped up after the ruling, causing 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 report by Monday on how it will fund SNAP bills.
McConnell, who was nominated by President Barack Obama, said the Trump administration must either make the full payment by that date or, if it decides to use the $3 billion in the reserve fund, figure out how to do so by Wednesday.
The delay in SNAP payments, a major part of the nation's safety net that serves about 42 million people, has exposed the financial vulnerabilities many face. At a food pantry in the Bronx, the Rev. John Udo-Okon said “people from all walks of life” are now reaching out 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,” Udo-Okon said. “You see people will drive in their cars, come, park and wait to see if they can get food.”
In Austell, Georgia, people in hundreds of cars in drive-thru lanes collected bags of non-perishable and perishable food items. Must Ministries said it distributed food to about 1,000 people, which is more than its typical bimonthly food delivery.
Families waiting in line said they were worried they wouldn't be able to get SNAP benefits by Thanksgiving.
At a food distribution at Calvary Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, SNAP recipient James Jackson, 74, said he was disappointed that people were suffering from decisions made in Washington and lawmakers should do more to understand the problems caused by poverty and food insecurity.
“If you've never been poor, you don't know what it's like to be poor,” Jackson said. “I hope things change. I hope people get SNAP benefits and I hope we just come together to love each other and feed each other and help each other.”
While Calvary Baptist Church events typically draw a long line, the Rev. Samuel L. Whitlow said, demand for the food pantry has increased recently, with about 60 more people showing up this week.
And in Norwich, Conn., the St. Vincent De Paul Dining and Food Pantry had 10 extra volunteers working Saturday to help the wave of expected newcomers, making sure they felt comfortable and understood the services available. In addition to groceries and hot meals, it offered pet food, toiletries and blood pressure readings.
“They're embarrassed. They're ashamed. So you have to deal with that as well,” said director Jill Corbin. “But we do our best to just welcome people.”
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Hay reported from Norwich, Connecticut. Associated Press photographer Mike Stewart in Austell, Georgia, contributed.
