ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — As SNAP benefits resume following the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, local organizations continue to support struggling communities. The Regional Food Bank distributed grocery items Friday afternoon, estimated to feed up to 400 Albany households. However, the food was nearly gone half an hour before the event began, with people lining up as early as 9 a.m., three hours before the scheduled start time.
Michael-Aaron Poindexter, Regional Food Bank chief program officer, noted, “People have shown up 2-3 hours before our advertised start time because the need is so great. We are doing everything we can to make sure we’re ready for when they show up but also make sure we have enough food to give them.” Since Oct. 1, the Regional Food Bank has held at least 30 extra distribution events to support those who relied on food stamps.
Poindexter emphasized that the food insecurity crisis is far from over, despite the restoration of SNAP benefits…