SNAP Benefits boost ends March 1st
Next story is about coming together as a community to help our neighbors. Tomorrow will be a tough one. Some of the extra federal money they've been getting to pay for food is going away, and Katie Lusso is here to tell us why. Yeah, in less than an hour from now, actually, the temporary boost to SNAP benefits that was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, well, it comes to an end. And it could mean your family or your neighbors have some tough decisions to make. Well, tonight, the Capital Area Food Brank wants you to know there is help out there. They will see an average of $93 less a month in their benefits.
Radha Mathaya is the president and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank and says it may not sound like much, but it is. $93 translates to about 23 fewer meals that they will be able to provide their families. She says more than 300,000 of our neighbors qualify for SNAP benefits. A program they count on. This comes against a backdrop of inflation that's still really high, and so many of our clients are really being squeezed on both ends. It could be some time before they see that impact, since delivery of SNAP benefits are staggered throughout the month, but the Capital Area Food Bank is planning ahead in case their local partners need help. Here you see a bunch of emergency grab-and-go boxes.
We have procured a few additional truckloads of food in anticipation. She says they'll also help by advocating for strengthening the SNAP benefit program once she says is important. This allows people to purchase food, and so it enables choice, enables them to decide what's best for them and their families. And it supports local economic growth because you're going to purchase food at your local grocery store. Mathaya says seeking help to put food on the table is not something to be ashamed of. No one blames you for being in the situation that you're in. This economic hardship can affect any of us at different points in time.
Just know that there are organizations like ours and our network that are here to support you. And the Capital Area Food Bank tells me they work with 400 nonprofits that directly serve communities across the DMV. Now they have this interactive map on their website to help you find the closest pantry to you. We're going to put that link on our website, wusa9.com. Yeah, I'm so glad that the CEO said there's no shame in reaching out for resources. This is what it is all about.
Katie, thank you.
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