Millions of people around the U.S. are currently faced with a pause on the federal food assistance program known as SNAP as of November 1.
The government shutdown plays a large role in these cuts and is severely affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
NHPR reports roughly 75,000 New Hampshire residents are enrolled in SNAP, according to state officials.
“Additional uncertainty is looming for families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program, or WIC. New Hampshire says it has enough funding to sustain that program until Nov. 7. At this time, state officials say they aren’t expecting any cuts to school meal programs supported by federal dollars,” according to reporting from NHPR.
Nobody should ever face the uncertainty of food insecurity. It’s heartbreaking that these programs may run out of funding because so many parents and families rely on them for their children to be fed.
“On Saturday, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services told News 9 that all SNAP recipients received their full November benefit allotment on their EBT cards based on the most up-to-date federal guidance they got on Friday,” according to WMUR.
However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture told states it would consider any payments made to be “unauthorized.”
While the federal government seeks to prevent states from feeding the needy, fortunately, N.H. is helping in some way.
“The state is spending $2 million to support a network of mobile food pantries specifically for SNAP recipients, and to aid traditional food pantries that provide assistance to both SNAP recipients and anyone in need,” stated NHPR.
I am so glad our state has stepped up and has put a great amount of effort and money into fighting hunger and helping families gain access to food, which should never be difficult to get, as it is a basic human need for survival.
Another report from NHPR stated electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards will still work in November with existing previous funds, but no new November benefits will be loaded to the EBT card.
People who rely on EBT now won’t be getting the benefits they need to survive, and this absolutely breaks my heart. No family, child or individual should have to worry about when their next meal will be. This puts such an unnecessary burden on the lives of everyone affected, and the fact that major politicians and political figures are not doing more to help is extremely upsetting and all the more frustrating.
However, there are ways to help people who are struggling. There are food drives, food pantries, and community kitchens/organizations that will assist those in need.
According to NHPR, “Many food pantries are inviting people to donate money or grocery items, to help cover the anticipated surge in demand. Check your local Community Action Partnership agency for resources in your area.”
A little donation goes a long way. I feel that one of the best things to do to help out is, if you can afford to, do your best to donate, especially as the holiday season is approaching.
Donate to your local food pantry, contribute to a food drive or even start a front-yard food pantry, which many people have done and have had success with.
Every act of kindness can add up and help ensure that nobody goes hungry.
Ali Barretta can be contacted at
abarretta@kscequinox.com
