SNAP lapse in November to put strain on Idaho food resources

With the Trump administration‘s decision to allow food assistance to lapse in November, some Idahoans will be looking elsewhere to get food for their next meal.

The White House said it will not distribute funds in November for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program because of the federal government shutdown, affecting 130,000 Idahoans who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. The program largely serves children, older Idahoans, people with disabilities and veterans.

Some will be looking to their local food banks for support.

Theresa Vawter, public relations and government affairs manager for The Idaho Foodbank, said they are planning for a 25% increase in need. She explained their network has more than 400 partners across the state, including schools, churches, senior centers and community food pantries.

“They are able to order food from us for free,” Vawter pointed out. “So really having that conversation with them of ‘OK, what are you guys seeing right now? Are you seeing that increase? And then how can we support you in that way?'”

Vawter stressed anyone in need of assistance should not hesitate to contact their local pantry. People can find their local distributor on The Idaho Foodbank website.

Vawter added food banks can pick up the increase in demand in the short term, but she noted nationally, for every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine.

“Certainly we appreciate all of the great community support that we’re seeing to make sure that we have the food available for people,” Vawter acknowledged. “But longer term, food banks cannot replace what SNAP gets out in terms of food for people who need it.”

Vawter added people whose income is too high for SNAP but are still food insecure also utilize food banks and this could put a long-term strain on food banks. She urged people to make donations to support their local food bank or reach out to see how they can provide support.

This story was provided by Northern Rockies News Service, a Bureau of the Public News Service.