Throughout the year, Meals on Wheels Erie helps deliver meals to 200 seniors, veterans, and homebound neighbors every day.
The organization is now bracing for the upcoming pause on SNAP benefits.
According to Meals on Wheels Executive Director Jennifer Hoffman, many of the nonprofit’s clients live alone on fixed incomes and rely on SNAP benefits to meet their basic needs.
“For some, our visit isn’t just their only fresh meal of the day,” said Hoffman. “It’s also their only human connection.”
Any delay in federal funding for assistance will be immediately felt.
“Knowing that EBT and SNAP cuts are here, and that Medicaid cuts loom on the horizon, doesn’t bode well for ending the wait list.” said Hoffman.
Hoffman says that many of the organization’s clients are either stocking up on food to avoid hunger, or they are rationing what food they have left.
“Either way, it’s not a long-term strategy,” said Hoffman. “We’re doing the best we can. We are trying to make sure everyone has what they need.”
The organization hopes that lawmakers can soon reach a deal to end the government shutdown.
“We’re watching very closely to see what’s going to happen,” said Hoffman. “We are hoping that everything lands in a way that we are going to be able to take people off of the waiting list. I don’t want people to panic. We are here. We are doing this work, and we are committed to this work, but it’s not going to be without difficulties moving forward.”