The Trump Administration announced Monday that it will partially reinstate benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps individuals and families afford food. The benefits had been on pause since November 1st due to the continuing government shutdown.
Erin Barger, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, says the shutdown has already deeply impacted families experiencing food insecurity. “I attended a mobile distribution just a few days ago, and there is definitely a heightened amount of anxiety and stress among people who experience food insecurity,” she said. “We anticipate that to continue until SNAP benefits are fully available.”
Barger says approximately 70,000 people in the Northeast Georgia region use SNAP benefits, and it’s unclear when benefits will resume. “It’s my understanding that partial funding will restore half of the amount of benefits,” she said. “We anticipate neighbors in Northeast Georgia will go without their benefits for several more days.”
She says her organization has ordered a 400% increase in food for the month of November to try to serve the community and welcomes more volunteers and donations.
She adds that the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia will still ask for funding from the Athens-Clarke County Government this week. Commissioners are set to vote on a $150,000 one-time grant Tuesday night.
