San Antonio Food Bank to Dispense Supplies After USDA Ends SNAP Benefits
In response to the impending cutoff of federal food aid, the San Antonio Food Bank has ramped up efforts to address an expected surge in demand. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that no food assistance will be available starting Saturday. This situation has arisen following the Trump administration’s decision not to utilize $5 billion in contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Increased Demand for Food Assistance
Erik Cooper, the president of the San Antonio Food Bank, highlighted the urgency of the situation. He stated, “Nobody should go to bed hungry,” emphasizing the organization’s commitment to support the community. The food bank predicts a 50% rise in demand, equating to the need for an additional 12 to 13 tractor-trailers of food each week.
Impact of the Federal Shutdown
The anticipated request for assistance stems partly from the ongoing federal shutdown, which affects many workers in the area. An estimated 50,000 federal employees and contractors are expected to seek support from local pantries if the shutdown lingers into November.
- Federal civilian workers may not receive their full paychecks by October 29.
- Active-duty military personnel and reservists could miss their first entire paycheck by October 31.
- Programs providing federal nutrition assistance, such as school meals, may be disrupted after November 1.
The San Antonio Food Bank is particularly concerned about the holiday season, a time when demand tends to peak. “We will do whatever is required of us, even emptying the warehouse if that is what is needed,” Cooper reiterated, calling for community support.
Call for Community Support
To manage the increased demand, the food bank is appealing to local partners, families, and businesses for contributions. They encourage anyone interested in donating or volunteering to visit their website for more information on how to lend support.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please visit safoodbank.org/help for resources and guidance. The San Antonio Food Bank aims to ensure that no member of the community goes hungry during these challenging times.
