KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The federal government shutdown and the suspension of SNAP benefits are creating immediate challenges for Sunshine Industries and the adults with disabilities it serves, the nonprofit said.
Sunshine Industries, operated by the nonprofit Sunshine Services, provides job training and employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Staff say the shutdown has halted SNAP benefits for some clients and delayed federal-related funding and contracts that help support programs.
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“Many of the people we support live on extremely fixed incomes. So even a temporary gap in benefits can mean an empty fridge,” said Jessica Stephens, communications coordinator for Sunshine Services. “Our team is doing everything possible to make sure no one goes without food.”
According to Sunshine Services, the SNAP delays are affecting nine people in the organization’s residential programs, cutting off about $1,100 a month in grocery assistance. To bridge the gap, the nonprofit received help from Food City as they created a priority list for essentials and have distributed more than $1,500 in grocery gift cards to residents.
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“Food isn’t just nutrition, it’s dignity. It’s community. It’s belonging,” Stephens said. “And for an organization that’s worked for so long to support independence, it’s difficult to see people struggle.”…