Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton is one of many area food pantries stepping up food drives as the government shutdown affects SNAP benefits, reports Jill Croce for FOX 29 Philadelphia.
Food assistance demand has grown compared to last year, and including SNAP recipients, who will receive no benefits on November 1, will further stretch an already overextended system.
Nationwide, 42 million people rely on SNAP benefits, and many of them could shift their food reliance to places like Keystone Opportunity Center.
“The times right now, it’s just a whole lot of uncertainty,” said Brandon Trombetta, Executive Director of Keystone Opportunity Center. “We’re getting a lot of contacts now. People reaching out, asking about their SNAP benefits, what’s going to happen on November 1 if they get cut.”
Even before the threat to SNAP benefits, more people were using food pantries.
“However, if it continues in this pathway, it’s uncertain as to if we do have to make changes or cuts or anything like that to what we’re able to give out,” said Trombetta.
Keystone Opportunity Center is now reaching out to the local community for support, seeking donations for its holiday meal bag drive.
Watch the entire segment at FOX 29 Philadelphia.
