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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
More than 10% of the city’s 26,000 residents are SNAP recipients.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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).<\/p>\n
To keep up with growing demand, food deliveries will now arrive six days a week, up from the normal twice weekly schedule.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“I am grateful for Peekskill. Peekskill is a great town,” said Joanne Zwick, a city resident who relies on SNAP benefits.<\/p>\n
“This will help a lot especially at lunch time and dinner time,” added SNAP recipient Robin Martin.<\/p>\n
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