ROCHESTER, N.Y. — More than 100,000 people in Monroe County rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed their families. As of midnight, they faced a lapse in their benefits.
“My wife Marion and I are pretty much screwed,” Mr. Eustin a SNAP recipient said.
Another SNAP recipient, James Ward expressed his concerns about the situation.
“I’m at a loss to be honest. I’m at a loss. I am at a complete loss,” Ward said.
Ward receives $286 in SNAP benefits, which helps feed him and his two grandchildren. He has informed them that he will no longer be receiving benefits. His plan involves visiting food pantries to collect food.
“Come down here six days a week and get food to bring to the house and make sure the food stays there. Then go to Monroe Avenue and make sure food stays in my house,” Ward said.
Marion Eustin and her husband face a similar struggle.
Marsha Augustin: You are a recipient of SNAP?
Marion Eustin: Yes.
Marsha Augustin: How much do you receive in benefits every month:
Marion Eustin: Three hundred and thirty three dollars.
The Eustins have a 5-month-old baby girl and rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which is at risk. The USDA announced the program would end on Nov. 1. Originally known as food stamps, SNAP was established in 1964 to serve low-income individuals, many of whom work but cannot cover all basic living costs. The Eustins depend on St. Peter’s Kitchen as their lifeline.
“We’re preparing by pretty much, try and rely on this soup kitchen to get our food,” Marion Eustin said.
Bob Boyd, CEO and president of St. Peter’s Kitchen, is working to help families like the Wards and Eustins. He has observed a more than 20% increase in food demand over the past year. The kitchen serves over 400 meals a day, six days a week, and the food pantry is experiencing double the demand. With the uncertainty of SNAP, Boyd is increasing meals and extending hours.
“We will be able to put in an additional 100 meals into the community every Monday through Saturday between 12 PM and 1 PM. We are also expanding our pantry hours on a temporary basis,” Boyd said.
Rochester City Councilmember Michael Patterson shared his personal connection to the issue. “I remember as a kid waiting with anticipation for when we would get our food stamps so we could go shop so there would be food in the house it was that important,” Patterson said.
Patterson sent a letter to the state Attorney General’s office urging action.
“This is a means tested entitlement program. You qualify for it you get it. In no other instance when there has been a government shutdown has there been any interruption,” Patterson said.
Millions are at risk of going hungry. On Friday, two judges ruled that the federal government must continue to fund SNAP at least partially using contingency funds and requested an update on Monday.
“They need to hurry up and give these people their money so they can go eat,” Patterson said.
“You don’t need until Monday to figure it out — cut the check press the button send the money,” Patterson said.
St. Pete’s Kitchen has expanded their hours due to the SNAP Crisis. They now serve 500 meals, Monday thru Saturday, 12PM to 1PM. Additional pantry hours are Tuesday afternoon 2-5 PM and Friday morning, 9AM to 11AM.
Saturday is for working families and they encourage others to come during this SNAP uncertainty as well.
They can make an appointment by emailing: amy@st.peterskitchen.org.
SNAP recipients, local pantry prepare amid uncertainty, Councilman shares personal connection urges action WHEC.com.
Hence then, the article about snap recipients local pantry prepare amid uncertainty councilman shares personal connection urges action was published today ( ) and is available on News10NBC ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( SNAP recipients, local pantry prepare amid uncertainty, Councilman shares personal connection urges action )
Also on site :