GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – “I never thought we would get to this point.”
That’s what many people around Wisconsin and across the country are saying after learning that FoodShare and SNAP benefits could run out on November 1, as part of the ongoing federal government shutdown.
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“How do we serve everyone from Merrill to Milwaukee? It’s a challenging situation, and we hope that by this time next week, the government will have decided to reopen,” said Matt Stienstra with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has received constant messages from families expressing concern about how they will keep food on the table as the shutdown continues.
“What’s unique about this time is that the strongest, most effective anti-hunger program in the country—the FoodShare program, or SNAP as it’s called nationally—might not be there for families come November,” Stienstra explained.
Local food pantries are preparing to meet the increased demand if federal benefits stop.
“We’re here for them,” said Craig Robbins, executive director of Paul’s Pantry. “What good would we be if we were not ready for something like this? This is what we are made of—we have to be ready for any scenario.”
Robbins said the pantry is already hard at work serving families and is prepared for both a potential increase in need and the busy holiday season ahead.
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“We always get extra in preparation for the holidays, so we’re kind of set to go forward with it. We really are going to be okay,” Robbins said.
Robbins added that Paul’s Pantry is always accepting donations, especially during its busiest time of the year.
