‘We have been slammed’: food banks and pantries react to latest snap benefits issues
Spencer Sacks
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Families were supposed to receive their SNAP benefits for the month of November on Saturday. However they have not received it due to the on going and seemingly never-ending government shutdown.
This has put a strain on resources not just for families who receive benefits but on local food banks and pantries who give food to those in need.
KTVZ News spoke with St. Vincent de Paul of Crook County President Rita Mclean Malone who is concerned.
“I called the gal who is usually at the welcome desk this morning and she said before September, an average per week for people signing up for a food box for supplemental food that was maybe 1 or 2 a week in this past week or through October. September and October, it’s averaged 8 or 10 people per week,” Malone told KTVZ. “It has been slammed. we have been slammed for most of each day.”
According to U.S. Census Bureau Data, in 2023 Crook County had 14.9% of residents received SNAP benefits. 8.8% of Deschuttes County and a whopping 26% of Jefferson County received SNAP benefits as well. Organizations across the state have stepped up to help those in need.
Malone told KTVZ, “We have several groceries through grocery stores in Prineville and one in Bend. I think it’s three times a week our guys go over and pick up. Those stores are Wagners in Prineville, Ray’s in Prineville, and the Thrift way on third street. Trader Joe’s has been very generous to us as well.”
The government shutdown has put a strain on industries all across the country, but Malone told KTVZ, she is grateful for all the support from all across Central Oregon.