THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — A Bronx principal is trying to avert a “major hunger crisis” since more than 400 students at her school depend on SNAP benefits, which are set to expire Nov. 1 amid the government shutdown.
“We want to ensure families don’t go hungry,” said Sally Schwab, assistant principal at University Prep Charter High School.
There are 480 students at the Melrose school, and 85% of them rely on the monthly SNAP stipend, and some have already reached out for help. So, Schwab and her staff have launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money for grocery store gift cards.
The crowdfunding site has already raised more than $6,000, as of Wednesday morning. The principal said the giveaway may start as early as Monday.
“I’m concerned about this. I don’t think they (the families) know yet the consequences of not having that money,” Schwab said.
The school will address food insecurity in other ways, like stocking a school pantry that families can use and hosting community dinner nights where families can take groceries home. There will also be a food drive, and the school will donate any extra cafeteria food. Non-perishable food donations can also be made at the school at 600 St. Ann’s Ave.
“We are trying to feed as many families as we can,” the principal said.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the food assistance will not be paid in November as the government shutdown persists.
That would affect almost three million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP benefits. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that $30 million in emergency funds will be used to help SNAP recipients across the state.
New Yorkers can check for updates about SNAP here:
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.
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