Louisiana food banks prepare for possible halt in SNAP Benefits

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — As the federal government shutdown nears one month, food banks and local businesses across Louisiana are preparing for what could be a major surge in need.

Local organizations are stepping up and asking for the community’s help, whether that means donating food, money, or time.

Amanda Toups with Toups Meatery says the potential loss of benefits could push families already living below the poverty line into a full-blown crisis.

“We already have one in three of our children sitting below the poverty line, and those were children who were already getting SNAP benefits,” Toups said. “If they are removed and do not get them, you will see the largest crisis and hunger in this city that we’ve ever seen.”

At Second Harvest Food Bank, shelves that were once full are now nearly empty.

John Sillars with Second Harvest says their team is preparing to meet the demand as best they can, but the numbers are daunting.

“We’re talking on a scale of what we would distribute in a year, SNAP covers in a month,” Sillars said. “And so, if SNAP does get halted November 1st, we are going to do everything we can to serve as many people as we are able to.”

He says Second Harvest expects to receive close to five million fewer meals worth of food this year compared to last, making community support more important than ever.

“The food supply is down, but we’re going out really hard asking for food donations and we are getting a response,” Sillars added.

“It’s already a crisis even if the SNAP benefits come through,” Toups said. “Food is a human right in our country. To take that away from our children because of a squabble in D.C. is despicable.”

Residents can find more information on how to donate or volunteer at no-hunger.org. You can contact Toups Meatery through their social media sites.

The Louisiana Senate is expected to meet at 11:00 a.m. Friday to discuss measures aimed at keeping SNAP benefits flowing despite the federal shutdown.

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