Teisha Matthews is pushing a cart full of produce on a sunny morning at the Rochester Public Market. With just days before federal SNAP benefits — formerly known as food stamps — are likely to be halted, she’s shopping for her mother who is disabled and receives public assistance.
“I got her some pineapples, some collard greens, some cabbage, some potatoes, some onions, some oranges, some grapes,” Matthews said. “What else did I get? Some carrots, some string beans and some sweet potatoes. You can make a meal out of it, you know? And what you don’t use today, you can always clean up and freeze for another time.”
With SNAP benefits on hold starting Saturday, Matthews said she’s got to figure out how she’s going to help her mother. They may turn to food cupboards and other community resources…