NEW YORK (WABC) — If Congress doesn’t reach a deal by Saturday to resolve the shutdown, benefits could also run out for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries.
Starting Nov. 1, a total of 140 Head Start preschool programs also could miss their federal funding payments under the shutdown.
States could also run out of money as early as Nov. 8 for another food aid program supporting millions of low-income mothers and young kids called WIC.
More funding for food banks and pantries is planned in states including Connecticut and New York, where Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Monday that she is “fast tracking” $30 million in emergency food assistance funds to help keep food pantries stocked.
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Food pantries provide about 1 meal to every 9 provided by SNAP, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. They get the food they distribute through donations from people, businesses and some farmers. They also get food from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and sometimes buy food with contributions and grant funding.
“When you take SNAP away, the implications are cataclysmic,” Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. “I assume people are assuming that somebody’s going to stop it before it gets too bad. Well, it’s already too bad. And it’s getting worse.”
Where to find a local food bank or pantry
To find a local food bank, enter a zip code on Feeding America’s website.
Food Bank for New York City also has a resource to find a food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries across the five boroughs.
Some state agencies that oversee SNAP benefits may have other assistance programs available during the shutdown.
Visit these USDA websites to learn more:
Connecticut New JerseyNew YorkNew York CityHow to help people losing SNAP benefits
If you want to support the Feeding America network, please go here.
If you want to support the Food Bank for New York City, please go here.
The nonprofit United Way Family Resource Network posted on Facebook, urging followers to consider handing out nonperishables to trick-or-treaters, sharing ideas for the best types of items to hand out, including ramen, microwaveable macaroni and cheese, and pretzels.
“This year with SNAP benefits being cut, it’s extremely critical that families are being given access to these foods,” Victoria Nottingham, the family resource network manager of Monongalia County, West Virginia, who works under the United Way Family Resource Network, said in an interview with ABC News.
Meanwhile, DoorDash is launching an Emergency Food Response, including free delivery for Project DASH food bank and food pantry partners nationwide. The food delivery service is also partnering with leading grocers to waive delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients in November.
Customers who have linked a SNAP/EBT card to their profile can shop on DoorDash at Sprouts, Dollar General, Schnucks, Food Lion, Giant Foods, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle, and Wegmans and have their delivery and service fees waived on one order.
Project DASH works with over 300 partners nationwide to power delivery on behalf of food banks and pantries.
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Some information from the Associated Press and ABC News
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