Food Banks Brace for Storm as Snap Benefits Face Uncertainty

Food banks across the country are preparing for a surge in demand as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) faces a potential cutoff. The federal government shutdown, now in its second month, has created a lot of uncertainty. The Trump administration announced that Snap, which helps around 42 million people afford food each month, will run out of funding at the start of November. This has never happened before in the program's history. Food banks are already seeing an increase in demand. In New York City, the Food Bank for NYC is planning to step up its aid. But they can't match the level of assistance that Snap provides. The organization distributed 85 million meals last year, while Snap provides 95 million meals per month in the city. The cutoff would be especially hard on federal workers who are already struggling without paychecks. In Los Angeles, a volunteer at Community Space food bank said he's trying to stock up as much as he can. He hopes the credit he's earned from his hours at the food bank will see him through the benefit cutoff. Some cities and states are trying to soften the blow. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency to free up $65 million in state funds for food banks. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is sending $4 million in state funding to food shelves. But the need is far greater, as $73 million comes from federal funds to Minnesota for the program. The Atlanta Community Food Bank announced it would draw $5 million from its contingency to stock its pantries. The city's mayor also announced a temporary eviction and water shutoff moratorium. But the cutoff for Snap could have long-term consequences. A Georgetown Law professor warned that it could become part of partisan warfare.