People across the US formed long lines for free meals and groceries at food pantries and drive-through giveaways on Saturday, after monthly benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme, or Snap, were suddenly cut off because of the ongoing government shutdown.
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In the New York borough of the Bronx, about 200 more people than usual showed up at the World of Life Christian Fellowship International pantry, many bundled in winter hats and coats and pushing collapsible shopping trolleys as they waited in a line that spanned multiple city blocks. Some arrived as early as 4am to choose from pallets of fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, juice, dry goods and prepared sandwiches.
Mary Martin, who volunteers at the pantry, also relies on it regularly for food to supplement her Snap payments. She said she usually splits her roughly US$200 a month in Snap benefits between herself and her two adult sons, one of whom has six children and is especially dependent on the assistance.
“If I didn’t have the pantry to come to, I don’t know how we would make it,” Martin said. “I’m not gonna see my grandkids suffer.”
The US Department of Agriculture planned to withhold payments to the food programme starting on Saturday until two federal judges ordered the administration to make them.
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