ATLANTA, Ga. – Critical food assistance is in jeopardy as the government edges closer to a shutdown. Over 1.4 million Georgians who depend on SNAP benefits may face delays in their food assistance later this autumn, contingent upon the duration of any potential shutdown.
Jim Gibson, a SNAP beneficiary, stressed the importance of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, given the rising cost of living. He expressed concerns about how a government shutdown could affect him.
The Georgia Department of Human Services issued a statement, explaining the situation: “If the federal government shuts down, October SNAP benefits will remain unaffected. However, if the shutdown extends into November, SNAP recipients may experience delays in receiving their November benefits. Currently, there are 1,458,968 clients who could potentially be affected.”
Patricia Acheampong, a senior citizen on disability in the Atlanta area, voiced her worries, saying, “I’m a senior, I’m on disability, they take these food stamps from me, how do they expect me to eat?”
In addition to SNAP, a government shutdown could also jeopardize the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program, affecting more than 220,000 Georgians. The White House is concerned about potential disruptions in this program.
Kyle Waide, President, and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, anticipates a surge in demand for food assistance and the need to distribute more food in the community should a shutdown occur.
Individuals dependent on food assistance are making contingency plans, such as turning to food pantries and local churches for support.
Jim Gibson expressed hope that a shutdown could be averted, urging policymakers in Washington D.C. to pay attention to the potential hardships faced by those in need. He emphasized, “They need to get out here and see exactly what’s really occurring.”