Wisconsin Food Banks Face Increased Demand as SNAP Ends

Article Summary –

As federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is about to run out on November 1 due to a prolonged government shutdown, food banks in Wisconsin are experiencing increased demand, with organizations like Feed My People Food Bank and the House of Peace seeing a notable rise in households seeking assistance. SNAP recipients are already utilizing food pantries to prepare for the anticipated gap in benefits, while Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Tony Evers has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reallocate funds to sustain the SNAP program. In response, organizations such as Hunger Task Force are planning significant food purchases and informing beneficiaries about the delayed but not lost benefits, with catch-up payments expected once the government shutdown concludes.

As the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding ends on Nov. 1, and a prolonged federal shutdown stretches into its fifth week, Wisconsin food banks are grappling with heightened demand. FoodShare, Wisconsin’s SNAP, is crucial for food security.

“We’re seeing a significant rise in our neighbors seeking food distributions, impacting all our programs,” stated Padraig Gallagher, executive director of Feed My People Food Bank. This organization aids around 46,000 people across 14 rural counties in western Wisconsin.

Gallagher noted the nonprofit typically serves 300-350 households daily but saw nearly 500 on Oct. 24 and Oct. 28. He highlighted most SNAP recipients exhaust their monthly benefits by month’s end.

“Few carry over balances,” Gallagher said. “Households are now preparing for November’s lack of funding by visiting food pantries and maximizing their resources.”

Gallagher emphasized the non-political stance: “Hunger isn’t political. There are no Democrats or Republicans in food lines. We demand a response to the situation.”

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers requested U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to transfer funds to sustain SNAP during the funding lapse.

Evers’ letter stated: “Empty cupboards and stomachs are very real consequences of Washington’s dysfunction, which can be averted today.”

Linda Barnes, assistant director of House of Peace, Milwaukee’s largest food pantry, cited an upsurge in demand. “In August, we served 869 households; by September, it soared to 1,489,” Barnes remarked.

Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force, assured SNAP participants that November benefits will face delays but will not be lost. Prior balances remain available. King announced a $500,000 food purchase plan to support local pantries amid growing need.