VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Noah Schuler: As the federal government shutdown rolls on, the need for food worsens. Nearly three million New Yorkers rely on SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to help pay for food.
Schuler: Since the government shutdown over a month ago, SNAP benefits have run out and have not been restored fully. That makes the Samaritan Center, as seen behind me, that much more important for a hot meal on a cold day.
Schuler: The Samaritan Center is a non-profit focused on fighting hunger. Chief Development Officer Joelle Harleston on the impact of the shutdown.
Joelle Harleston: The government funding has affected the food bank, and the food bank and Samaritan Center work in tandem and collaboration.
Schuler: With negotiations for a resolution to the shutdown at a standstill – the amount of people in need of food has no ceiling.
Harleston: We were at 250 per meal, but now we’ve already increased to 300 per meal. We anticipate that raising by 50%.
Schuler: For Samaritan Center patron Nathaniel Gregory – the help from the organization is much needed.
Nathaniel Gregory: I’ve been in Syracuse, New York for years and I’ve been coming to the Samaritan. I have not one complaint or problem with them. Because, basically they help the poor.
Schuler: Earlier today, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits this month. The Justice Department plans to appeal this ruling and more details are to come. Noah Schuler, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — As the federal government shutdown has extended to over a month, the demand for food rises.
Nearly three million New Yorkers rely on SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to help pay for groceries. Since the shutdown, SNAP benefits have run out and not been fully restored.
The Samaritan Center, a local non-profit in Syracuse dedicated to fighting food insecurity, has felt increased strain. Chief Development Officer Joelle Harleston explained the ripple effect of the shutdown.
“The government funding has affected the food bank, and the food bank and Samaritan Center work in tandem and collaboration,” Harleston said.
The Samaritan Center anticipates serving more people. The center has already seen increases of more than 50 meals served per service, and expects those demands to increase by 50%.
Earlier this week, eight Democratic Senators banded together to vote to end the shutdown. The bill is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives in the coming days.