Local Food Pantry Demand Spikes As SNAP Funding Dries Up
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been temporarily halted. This has led to a notable surge in visitors to local food pantries across the Mother Lode region.
Increased Demand in Tuolumne County
Central Sierra Broadcasting spoke with several food pantry leaders in Sonora to gauge the situation. Diane Bennett, the new Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services in Tuolumne County, described a record level of need at their Striker Court pantry, which operates each Tuesday.
“Yesterday was probably the highest day we’ve had in the history of Interfaith. Yesterday alone was 11% of what we served in the entire month of October, which was one of our highest months ever. If we keep on going at this rate, we will need help for food, especially proteins.” — Diane Bennett
According to Bennett, 69 households—including 147 individuals—were assisted on Tuesday. In October, the organization served 632 households in total, reaching 1,338 people. Bennett noted she was astonished by the figures, saying she repeatedly rechecked them because they seemed unusually high.
Rising Needs Across Local Pantries
Nancy Scott, founder of Nancy’s Hope in Sonora, reported a comparable increase in community demand.
“This week we have been seeing about 5-8 new clients per day, who have never been to our food pantries.” — Nancy Scott
The combination of suspended SNAP funding and sustained local economic strain has left area food resources stretched thinner than ever.
Author’s Summary
The temporary halt of SNAP assistance amid the government shutdown has caused a rapid rise in demand at Mother Lode food pantries, leaving local leaders warning of critical shortages ahead.