Summary
Food banks are preparing for more people needing help as the government shutdown threatens to stop SNAP benefits. Llano Food Pantry in Texas, which has already seen a big increase in clients due to rising food costs, expects even more people if SNAP benefits stop. SNAP is a major program that provides food assistance to many in the U.S., and without Congressional action, millions could lose this help.
Key Facts
- SNAP is a program that helps provide food to about 1 in 8 people in the U.S.
- If Congress does not act, SNAP benefits could stop on November 1, affecting nearly 42 million people.
- Llano Food Pantry in Texas has increased from serving 15-20 people a week to over 100 people a week.
- Rising food costs have led to more people needing help from food banks.
- Food banks like the Central Texas Food Bank are increasing their food distributions due to the government shutdown.
- The government shutdown has affected federal workers and military personnel, some of whom now turn to food banks.
- Food banks say that they cannot fully replace the aid provided by SNAP, as it offers about $44 million in food help every month.
- There are efforts to do fundraising and increase food distributions to meet the growing need.
