The federal government shutdown that has continued for over a month now is beginning to impact Americans in need. SNAP benefits, that nearly 42 million across the country receive, will be cut in half, according to a report Monday. The food stamp benefits average just over $350 per month, based on numbers from the USDA.
Around 3.5 million Texans receive SNAP benefits. That’s more than 11% of the population that could be in search of another food source beginning this week.
Food pantries, a first option for many of those in need, are also feeling the squeeze. Livingston’s MannaFest Director Tena Oates said she not only expects to see an influx of clients, but will now receive a fraction of what is typically delivered.
“We have not seen it yet, but I believe we will see an increase in folks. As long as we’re open and as long as we have food, we will give it out,” Oates said. “We are giving it out less and less, because we have less and less.
“They have cut our food ration from the Southeast Texas Food Bank. We are blessed with money to be able to buy retail. We are having to use our funds for retail, which is quite high. Our (client) numbers are staying about the same, but I think that will start going up this week.”
To this point, Oates said MannaFest has not prepared any differently, because they do not know what numbers to expect. Usually, the pantry takes in about 800-900 clients per month.
Oates received an email from Beaumont’s Southeast Texas Food Bank that the USDA will reduce the amount of trucks distributing food from 60 down to just five this month. That is to be spread over 33 different centers.
MannaFest has not received an order form for the month of November, when usually they have ordered and are preparing spaces for the food they will accept. She is expecting to get less than 10% of the products the pantry normally receives.
Walmart and Dollar General are the two retail stores that have provided meat and produce, though meat is no longer available. Donations are MannaFest’s only other option to continue providing. If current conditions continue, decisions to reduce distribution or cutting hours will be considered. She also fears that several smaller pantries will be in danger of closing.
“I didn’t think it was going to be that severe,” Oates said of the cuts in November. “We are blessed with donations and people are sending us donations that have never sent us donations before. We’re blessed with the money, but I don’t know if the retail is going to have much either. I think this is going to be a trickle-up effect.
“When retail starts suffering, which is what the economists are saying, then we’ll have to re-evaluate again. I try to stay on top of what is happening, and SNAP benefits, when you take Walmart or Brookshire Brothers or Kroger, their revenue stream is 25% SNAP. You carve out 25 cents on the dollar, the price of their food is going to go up where they get from distributors. We are going to be food insecure probably by the first quarter of next year. It might be you and I in the food line next month. I don’t know; it scares me.”
First-time clients are encouraged to bring an identification card when they enter the pantry at 803 West Feagin Street in Livingston. Those who do not have one will need to provide an address and be sure that they have not been to another food pantry in the past 30 days. All food pantries are on the same computer system, and each will know if clients qualify. Income limits are around $2,800 per month for a family of two. There is one account per household.
Those looking to donate can go to mannafestlivingstontexas.org and click the donate tab at the top of the page, go to First National Bank where an account to donate has been established, or stop by the pantry. The pantry is open Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. until noon.
The pantry also provides hygienic products and those making donations can designate their funds to go toward such items. Approximately $1,000 a month is allotted just for toilet paper.
Oates said they have been blessed to have a tight-knit group of volunteers, but would always welcome anyone who would like to get involved.
