Shutdown could leave more families turning to food bank
Adrik Vargas
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The government shutdown could soon make it harder for Imperial Valley families to put food on the table. The Imperial Valley Food Bank says it is preparing for more people needing help if benefits are delayed.
SNAP benefits are expected to cover the first 30 days, but after that Executive Director Sara Griffen says things could get difficult.
“If the shutdown continues, that could be very problematic. And we will see, certainly a lot more people in our lines,” she said.
Because federal programs are stalled, the food bank will have to rely on donations and purchased food.
“The food that we’re able to give out will either be donated or purchased, and not from federal programs that have historically founded food banking, quite frankly, and have sustained it through the years,” Griffen explained.
She also warned the impact could reach beyond the Valley.
“That’s going to have ripple effects all over the country. You know, if those programs are not allowed to operate, we will see less food for sure,” Griffen said.
Griffen added that if the shutdown lasts past 30 days, food banks, small pantries, and community food programs will be hit especially hard.
The food bank says community support through donations, volunteering, and speaking up to elected officials will be critical during this time.