Seymour Oxford Food Bank preparing for influx of clients as SNAP benefits set to expire

SEYMOUR, Conn. (WTNH) — As the government shutdown continues, one Connecticut food bank says it is feeling the pressure as it braces for a spike in clients in just a few days. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a statement that says in part “the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”

Lamont says he’s committed to supporting women, infants, children amidst government shutdownSeymour Oxford Food Bank preparing for influx of clients as SNAP benefits set to expire

There are at least 360,000 people in the state receiving SNAP benefits, according to the state’s Department of Social Services. It means many will have no choice but to rely on their local community food pantry. 

“I don’t have any idea of what that looks like. There’s a lot of pressure,” Kristina Walton, the executive director of the Seymour Oxford Food Bank, said. “I think there’s a lot of heartbreak and as someone who has received SNAP benefits through different periods of my life, I can really tap into how that must feel for those families.”

Walton says the food pantry has saw over 1,300 clients last month and she forecasts November’s numbers will be much higher. 

“I never know if I have enough supply, even in normal times,” she said. “Can we all come together and know that everyone deserves to eat?”

SNAP could run out Nov. 1: What about WIC?

State Sen. Stephen Harding (R) released the following statement regarding the local impact of federal policies.

“CT Senate Republicans are ready and willing to have a serious debate about the federal changes, who they will affect, and how to address them in a responsible way that is within our smart, bipartisan fiscal guardrails.” 

The food bank is desperately asking for donations. Staff say people can drop off non-perishable items Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30-11 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

The food bank is also welcoming monetary donations so that it can purchase items the organization says it is constantly running low on like produce, dairy and meat. 

In addition to donations, the Seymour Oxford Food Bank says it is also in need of more volunteers. (read more)