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The government shutdown could be ending soon, but the delay in SNAP benefits is causing millions of Americans to worry about having enough to eat. Around 42 million Americans rely on the food assistance program and without the extra help, they are now facing food insecurities. In New York, the JASA Corporation (Jewish Association Serving the Aging) is witnessing the struggles firsthand. The organization supports older adults in New York City by providing health services like offering meals at their adult centers or delivering meals to seniors that are homebound. In a statement sent to CNN, Gayle M. Horwitz, JASA CEO, writes: “For low-income older adults, SNAP isn’t just a program; it’s the difference between a full fridge and empty cupboards. The loss of these benefits forces too many seniors to choose between buying food, medication, and paying rent. Even before these cuts, our community was already seeing older adults forced to skip meals and rely on emergency food programs. We see every day how devastating these cuts are; there’s simply no substitute for SNAP’s vital lifeline.” Communities across the country are facing similar issues and several charities have begun providing assistance to those in need.
