MORGANTOWN — People who receive what was previously referred to as food stamps will get them early this month.
After that, it’s unclear if they will get them at all.
According to a press release put out by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive their February benefits early due to the partial government shutdown. Those who are eligible for these benefits will receive them Jan. 20. The future beyond that is unclear as the government shutdown continues.
Area food banks and pantries look to see an influx of those impacted by the shutdown, whether it be those who might need to hold on to their benefits or those who might be missing a paycheck.
Becky Conrad, director of Development of the Mountaineer Food Bank, said that food bank provides 450 feeding programs in 48 counties in West Virginia. Services include backpack programs, veterans feeding programs and senior food box programs.
Though there are not any programs in place that provide for a government shutdown situation, Conrad said Chad Morrison, executive director of Mountaineer Food Bank, raised concern on what the shutdown might look like, and how long it could go on.
“Our senator, Joe Manchin III, came and visited both the food banks here in West Virginia. He visited with us … to discuss what it looks like in Washington and what it’s going to mean for the food banks,” Conrad said.
The food bank’s program, “Veterans Table,” which delivers boxes to local VA hospitals, will allow federal employees or contracted workers to receive a food box this coming week. Donating $20 to the food bank creates one food box, Conrad said.
With the potential for people to run out of SNAP benefits, Conrad said the food bank will feel that impact because needs will increase.
The Mountaineer Food Bank regularly served around 210,000 West Virginians, prior to the shutdown.
“We are working on provisions. We are making plans and getting ourselves ready in the event that that does happen,” Conrad said.
One of the food pantries that receives distribution from the Mountaineer Food Bank is Pantry Plus More. Roark Sizemore, president of the Board of Directors, alongside Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom, implemented the program in Mon County schools to get kids food and supplies confidentiality.
Sizemore expects to see an increased demand on not only their pantries but all food providers that provide local services.
“From in-school pantries, to local community kitchens, there’s going to be an increase,” he said.
He said SNAP benefits break down to be about $1.40 per person, per meal. Even that little bit being taken away from people can be a large burden on families that are barely getting by already.
“They’re going to have to look somewhere else for some extra help,” he said.
Sizemore said 1 in 5 children in the state are food insecure. In Mon County alone about 27,000 kids are food insecure. The pantries are going to prepare for the influx by being fully stocked.
“The community’s been so generous. We think we’re ready to handle that for how long it goes, and we just hope that benefits get restored as soon as possible and people can get all the things they need,” Sizemore said.
He thinks many families are already feeling the effects of the shutdown.
“I definitely think it’s there. I definitely think it’s starting, and it’s only going to get worse as this continues,” he said.
Sizemore said the pantries are always accepting donations of food, clothing, school supplies and personal hygiene products, as well as money. Pantry Plus More has a website (www.pantryplusmore.org) and Facebook page.
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SMarino@TheDominionPost.com
