As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of families across the Southern Tier are facing uncertainty about how they’ll access food in the coming weeks. Nearly 5,000 federal employees are currently without paychecks, and more than 67,000 individuals will lose access to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits beginning November 1.
While the Food Bank of the Southern Tier has been urging our Congressional representative that food security is a bipartisan concern in hopes for a resolution, the organization has been proactively preparing to meet rising community needs.
Key response efforts include:
- Early release of emergency food funding to partner pantries in mid-October to help them stock shelves and serve more families.
- Expanding Mobile Food Pantry distributions in areas where the Food Bank anticipates the highest demand.
- Collaborating with local leaders and community organizations to coordinate resources and identify gaps in service.
- Launching a new Food Finder tool at foodbankst.org/findfood to make it easier for people to find nearby food pantries, meal sites, and Mobile Food Pantry distributions.
- Advocating for state and federal officials to protect nutrition programs and ensure communities are not left behind.
“We know that many people affected by the shutdown and loss of SNAP may be reaching out for food assistance for the first time,” said Mark Bordeau, President & CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. “Pantries and Mobile Food Pantries are welcoming spaces. Our community is here to help make sure everyone has enough to eat.”
Give help:
- Volunteer at the Food Bank or a local pantry: The Food Bank is encouraging community members to take action—whether by volunteering at the Food Bank or lending a hand at their local food pantry. Individuals can use the new Food Finder to locate pantries in their area that may need extra support.
- Advocate: Contact elected officials and urge support for SNAP and other hunger relief programs.
- Give: Make a gift to support our mission of building and sustaining hunger-free communities.
Find Help
Find food: Use the Food Bank’s Food Finder to search close to home for a pantry, mobile food pantry, or meal site. Visit foodbankst.org/findfood or call 2-1-1.
“SNAP is the first line of defense against food insecurity and we will continue to advocate for SNAP benefits to be re-instated as soon as possible,” Bordeau added. “Moments like these remind us how interconnected we are and our love for our community and our neighbors is what unites us. Only together can we ensure no one faces hunger alone.”