PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — With SNAP benefits set to expire Saturday for the first time in the program’s history, community organizations, politicians, and experts are speaking out about the risks.
Looking for fresh food and quickly emptying bins, neighbors in West Philadelphia who visit nonprofits like Mighty Writers are hoping the shelves will be restocked.
“Supply is not keeping up with demand at this time,” said Corinne Green, the executive director. “On average, we would serve about 50 families a day, and we’re seeing anywhere from 50-120 families a day.
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SNAP benefits are set to dry up Saturday amid the government shutdown. The program has never been paused in its nearly more than 60-year existence.
“Forty-two million Americans who are going to lose food on their tables,” said George Matysik, the executive director of Share Food Program, at a press conference with politicians and other advocates who spoke out against the suspension.
“No one should go without food,” said State Senator Vincent Hughes.
Approximately half a million Philadelphians may lose their benefits, however, and experts say the impact will be alarming.
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“They’re really concerned there’s not enough capacity to feed families based on charitable food systems alone. We need the government action here,” said Gabriella Mcloughlin, an assistant professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University.
According to Numerator, SNAP shoppers spend on average $832 a month at the grocery store, and about $20 per trip.
“For every meal a food bank gives, SNAP provides nine. That’s the capacity that we’re losing here,” she said.
Volunteers at Mighty Writers say they worry about their community.
“Everyone in this neighborhood is affected in some way, shape, or form,” said Ryan Palmer, the distribution manager there.
SNAP payments already loaded onto EBT cards are supposed to still be usable come Saturday, and experts say once the shutdown ends, people should get their November benefits retroactively.
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