Bronx community growing fearful amid cuts to SNAP benefits
Concerned community members gathered outside the Word of Life International Christian Fellowship church Wednesday to discuss growing concerns over cuts to SNAP benefits.
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Concerned community members gathered outside the Word of Life International Christian Fellowship church today to discuss growing concerns over cuts to SNAP benefits.
The federal program provides benefits to low-income households to buy food, but there's no more money left. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it will stop issuing SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1. The agency said this is due to lack of funding following the government shutdown.
Data from the state shows more than 1.8 million NYC residents rely on SNAP benefits. In the Bronx, 40% of residents rely on SNAP. That's the highest percentage out of all five boroughs.
The Word of Life International food pantry, which is run by the church, is feeling the strain. Staff members told News 12 the problems go beyond just hunger.
"By people not being able to cover their basic needs, that creates frustration, depression, anxiety and other problems that will impact the community in so many ways," said Rose Paulino, the program manager at the food pantry.
"We see mothers with children in this cold for three, four, five hours waiting on the lines for food. And now, because of the increasing number of people that we are saving, we have to be rationing food," said John Udookon, the senior pastor at the church.
News 12 also spoke with Cathy Mcfadden, a Bronx resident who says she relies on SNAP benefits to live. She is disabled and uses a wheelchair. She said she's fearful for the next few months if her benefits don't come in because she only has her montly social security check to take care of herself and her two grandchildren.
"With Snap benefits, you can order food online and have your groceries brought to you when the winter comes. This is not a four wheel drive. I cannot go out in the snow and shop," said Mcfadden. She said she has nothing left in her SNAP account and it's only a matter of time before she'll go into debt.
The Word of Life International food pantry is open on Thursdays and Saturdays starting at 11 a.m.
