LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – People across the country waited in long lines Saturday for free meals and groceries at food pantries and drive-thru giveaways after monthly benefits from the federal government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were abruptly cut off as the government shutdown continues.
In New York's Bronx borough, about 200 more people than usual gathered at the World of Life Christian Fellowship International pantry, many wearing winter hats and coats, pushing collapsible shopping carts and waiting in lines that spanned several city blocks. Some arrived as early as 4 a.m. to choose from a pallet of fruit, vegetables, bread, milk, juice, dry goods and prepared sandwiches.
Mary Martin, who volunteers at the pantry, also regularly relies on the pantry for food to supplement her SNAP payments. She said she typically splits about $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 aid.
“I don't know how we would get by without a food pantry,” Martin said.
“I don't want to see my grandchildren suffer.”
The Agriculture Department planned to withhold payments to the food program starting Saturday until two federal judges order the government to pay. However, after the ruling, it was unclear when the debit cards used by beneficiaries could be recharged, causing fear and confusion for many recipients.
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In an apparent response to President Donald Trump, who intends to provide funding but wants more legal direction from the courts, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the government to report by Monday on how it will fund SNAP accounts.
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McConnell, who was nominated by President Barack Obama, said the Trump administration must pay the full amount by that date or decide by Wednesday how to do so if it decides to deploy $3 billion in emergency funds.
Delays in SNAP payments, a key part of the country's social safety net serving about 42 million people, have highlighted the economic vulnerabilities faced by many. At the Bronx Food Pantry, Pastor John Udo Okon said “people from all walks of life” are currently seeking help.
“The pantry is no longer for the poor, the elderly, the needy. Now the pantry is for the whole community, for everyone,” Udo Okon said. “We see people come in their cars, park and wait to see if they can get food.”
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In Austell, Georgia, people in hundreds of cars in a drive-through lane picked up bags of non-perishable and perishable food. Mast Ministries said it distributed food to about 1,000 people, which is more than its usual bimonthly food deliveries.
Families in line said they were worried their SNAP benefits wouldn't arrive in time for Thanksgiving.
At a drive-thru food distribution at Calvary Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, SNAP recipient James Jackson, 74, said he is frustrated that people are being hurt by decisions made in Washington and that lawmakers should do more to understand the challenges posed by poverty and food insecurity.
“If you've never been poor, you don't know what it means to be poor,” Jackson says. “I hope things get better. I hope people get SNAP benefits. And I hope we come together to a place where we can love each other and feed each other and help each other.”
Calvary Baptist Church's drive-thru events usually have long lines, but the walk-in food pantry has seen an increase in demand recently, with about 60 more people attending this week, said the Rev. Samuel L. Whitlow.
And at the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen and food pantry in Norwich, Conn., 10 more volunteers worked Saturday to help the expected wave of newcomers and make sure they feel comfortable and understand the services available to them. In addition to groceries and hot meals, the site also offered pet food, toiletries, and blood pressure tests.
“They're embarrassed. They're carrying shame. So they have to deal with that as well,” manager Jill Corbin said. “But we're doing our best to make people feel welcome.”
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Haig reported from Norwich, Connecticut. Associated Press photographer Mike Stewart in Austell, Georgia, contributed.
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