Two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must continue funding the SNAP food assistance program during the ongoing government shutdown. The rulings came just one day before millions of Americans were set to lose access to these benefits.
WINK News was at Community Cooperative in Fort Myers, where staff said the past week has been nonstop. Families have been uncertain about whether they’ll have enough money for groceries, and pantries have been working around the clock to ensure that no one goes hungry. Even with the last-minute ruling, food banks are preparing for a potential surge in need.
At Community Cooperative, shelves are currently stocked, but the worry is growing. Many families have spent the week in a state of panic, unsure if help would still arrive.
“Every day we’re seeing more and more clients that are coming to us who are scared,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “A lot of misinformation out there. A lot of people don’t know what’s going to be happening on November 1, and people just don’t know what to do.”
The nonprofit has been meeting daily, preparing for the worst. Their staff and volunteers are expanding mobile pantries and adding extra appointments at the community market to meet the rising demand.
“We’re adding a few more mobile pantries,” said Edwards. “We’re adding more appointments here at our community market, and we’re making sure that if someone comes here looking for help and support, we’re giving them the resources that they need.”
For many, SNAP benefits are a lifeline, and even a brief interruption could mean empty plates for families already struggling.
While the ruling means those SNAP payments will continue, food banks like Community Cooperative remain on alert and ready to step in.