Food pantries across the Tri-State Area struggled to meet newfound demand Saturday as the uncertainty of SNAP benefits sets in nationwide amid the government shutdown.
On Friday, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to pause making a full payment for the food assistance program, leaving the immediate future of SNAP benefits for millions of Americans in limbo.
Food banks, nonprofits see increased need in communities
It was a bustling Saturday for the food bank at Open Door Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, a borough where about 20% of the residents rely on SNAP.
“I’ve never seen the line go around the block since COVID, and we’re there now,” church administrator Melissa Magal said. “People had food insecurity before SNAP benefits decreased, but now that SNAP benefits really have not hit their pockets, they’re here now.”…