SNAP benefits cut off during shutdown, driving long lines at food pantries

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — People across the country formed long lines for free meals and groceries at food pantries and drive-thru giveaways Saturday, after monthly benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, were suddenly cut off due to the ongoing government shutdown.

In New York’s Bronx borough, about 200 more people than usual showed up at the World of Life Christian Fellowship International’s food pantry, many bundled in winter hats and coats and pushing collapsible shopping carts as they waited in a line that stretched several blocks. Some arrived as early as 4 a.m. to choose from pallets of fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, fruit juices, dried goods and prepared sandwiches.

Mary Martin, who volunteers at the pantry, also relies on it regularly for food to supplement her SNAP payments. She said she usually splits her roughly $200 a month in SNAP benefits between herself and her two adult sons, one of whom has six children and is particularly dependent on aid.

“If I didn’t have a pantry, I don’t know how we would make it,” Martin said.

“I’m not going to see my grandchildren suffer.”

The Agriculture Department planned to suspend payments to the food program starting Saturday until two federal judges order the administration to make them. However, it was unclear when debit cards used by beneficiaries could be topped up after the ruling, sparking fear and confusion among many recipients.

In an apparent response to President Donald Trump, who said he would provide the money but wanted more legal guidance from the court, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the government to report by Monday on how it would fund SNAP accounts.

McConnell, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, said the Trump administration must either make the full payment by that day or, if it decides to put $3 billion into a reserve fund, find a way to do so by Wednesday.

The delay in SNAP payments, a major part of the nation’s social safety net that serves about 42 million people, has highlighted the financial vulnerabilities many face. At the Bronx food pantry, the Rev. John Udo-Okon said “people from all walks of life” are looking for help now.

“The pantry is no longer for the poor, for the elderly, for the needy. The pantry is now for the whole community, for everyone,” Udo-Okon said. “You see, people drive their cars, come park and wait to see if they can get food.”

In Austell, Georgia, people in hundreds of cars in drive-through lanes picked up bags of nonperishable and perishable food. Must Ministries said it has distributed food to about 1,000 people, more than a typical biweekly food delivery.

Families in line said they were worried about not receiving SNAP benefits in time for Thanksgiving.

At a drive-thru food distribution at Calvary Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, SNAP recipient James Jackson, 74, said he was frustrated that people were hurt by decisions made in Washington and that lawmakers should work to understand the challenges posed by poverty and food insecurity.

“If you’ve never been poor, you don’t know what it’s like to be poor,” Jackson said. “I hope things change. I hope people get their SNAP benefits, and I hope we come together where we can love and feed and help each other.”

Although there is usually a long line for drive-thru events at Calvary Baptist Church, said the Rev. Samuel L. Whitlow, the walk-up pantry has recently seen increased demand with about 60 more people showing up this week.

And in Norwich, Conn., the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry had 10 additional volunteers working Saturday to help a surge of expected newcomers, making sure they felt comfortable and understood the services available. In addition to groceries and hot meals, the site provided pet food, toiletries and blood pressure checks.

“They’re embarrassed. They’re ashamed. So you have to deal with that as well,” director Jill Corbin said. “But we do our best to just try to accommodate people.”

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Haigh reported from Norwich, Connecticut. Associated Press photographer Mike Stewart in Austell, Ga., contributed.