Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
Metro Detroit families are taking preemptive action as millions of Americans face potential interruption of their food assistance benefits if the federal government shutdown continues beyond October. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will last through October, but approximately 42 million Americans could miss their November payments if the shutdown persists. In Michigan alone, about 1.4 million residents depend on SNAP benefits, with approximately 40 percent of Detroit households participating in the program. “So if they’re going to cut our benefits off what are we expected to do,” says Tinesha Flowers, a Detroit mother of nine who relies on SNAP benefits. Flowers is already taking steps to prepare for a potential benefits interruption, stocking up on supplies and seeking help from local food pantries. “When I heard it, I decided to start getting food now so I can put it in the freezer and in my pantry so it won’t be so hard when it hits,” she explains. Local food assistance organizations are bracing for a surge in demand. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen is among those preparing for the potential impact. “The biggest thing is trying to make sure we still keep operating, trying to make sure that we are able to get the food in,” says Brother Fred Cabras, director of social services at Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Pastor Yvette Harper, who runs a bi-monthly food pantry through Gospel Tabernacle Ministries on Detroit’s west wide, advises SNAP recipients to develop contingency plans now, including identifying local food pantries in their communities. “Go ahead and register and become familiar with the process at their local food panty in case they’re impacted,” Harper advises. The church’s next food distribution day is November 8. Families concerned about food access can contact Pantry Net for information about local food pantries and assistance programs, she said. Community advocates are pressing lawmakers in Washington to resolve the situation. Phil Jones, education and engagement program manager at the Detroit Food Policy Council, expressed strong criticism of the congressional impasse. “Shame on you. If you say you represent someone and you don’t make sure that they are least healthy well fed then shame on you,” Jones states. The situation has created both anger and anxiety among affected families. As Flowers puts it, “It is nothing right about this at all. It’s not fair. It’s not right. It’s the government being irresponsible.”
