Copyright New York Daily News
Police in one Southern California town plan to increase patrols near grocery stores and other shopping areas as locals become desperate for food amid the impending suspension of SNAP benefits. The Barstow Police Department posted notice Tuesday night that its officers understand how the ongoing government shutdown and the temporary freeze of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — also referred to as SNAP or food stamps — may cause stress in its Mojave Desert community. “To help ensure the safety of residents, customers and business owners, officers will be conducting extra patrols around local grocery stores, convenience stores and shopping centers,” the department posted on Facebook. Barstow police described their actions as a “preventative measure” not to be confused with a response to anything that has happened thus far. “These increased patrols are … to maintain public safety, deter theft and reassure the community that law enforcement is present and ready to help,” police said. National SNAP benefits are slated to end on Nov. 1 if Congress can’t come to an agreement that would end the shutdown that began on Oct 1. Democratic and Republican lawmakers are divided on how to fund government spending. Nearly 42 million Americans depend on SNAP benefits to supplement their grocery budgets so they can afford healthy food. President Trump, amid is current visit to Asia, told reporters on Air Force One that the matter will soon be resolved, according to Newsweek. However, lawmakers aren’t so sure. More than 20 states, including California and New York, have sued the Trump administration for suspending the food stamp program.
