PEEKSKILL, New York (WABC) — In Peekskill, New York, the government shutdown and subsequent cut-off of SNAP benefits for the city’s most vulnerable sparked a wave of generosity.
An influx of contributions — $65,000 — is funding Peekskill’s breakfast, lunch and dinner distributions for the next three weeks, meaning SNAP recipients will have food on the table despite the government shutdown.
More than 10% of the city’s 26,000 residents are SNAP recipients.
Volunteers are eager to step in and help share the burden. In just two days, 100 volunteers signed up to make sure food gets to those in need.
“There are still people with big hearts and there are still people who care about each other, and that’s what’s important,” said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie (D).
To keep up with growing demand, food deliveries will now arrive six days a week, up from the normal twice weekly schedule.
An additional freezer is on site to store many of the 500 meals prepared every day by Chef Greg Gilbert and his staff of four.
“I’ve worked in high-end restaurants. I know how to spread things out so things run smoothly and I have a forecast so I am not killing myself every single day,” Gilbert told Eyewitness News.
A little bit of security during a time of insecurity goes a long way for SNAP recipients, who are thankful for the reprieve during a difficult time.
“I am grateful for Peekskill. Peekskill is a great town,” said Joanne Zwick, a city resident who relies on SNAP benefits.
“This will help a lot especially at lunch time and dinner time,” added SNAP recipient Robin Martin.
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