Feeding your Family during Government Shutdown

If you're worried about how to feed your family during the government shutdown, you're not alone. Millions of families rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—also known as food stamps—to help buy groceries. But because of the ongoing shutdown, SNAP benefits may be delayed or reduced.

SNAP helps feed about 16 million children across the country. It's a big part of how families stay healthy and strong. Without it, many parents are facing tough choices. But there are other ways to get help.

What you can do right now if SNAP benefits are affected

Check Your EBT card balance

If you have funds left from last month’s electronic benefits transfer (EBT), they should still be available to use. Here are tips that can help you plan and shop for healthy meals on a limited budget.

Find a local food bank

Food banks and food pantries, which offer free groceries, are stepping up to help families during the shutdown. Find one near you through the Feeding America Food Bank Locator.

Look for state or local emergency food help

Some states, cities, community organizations, churches and businesses are offering emergency food programs for families not receiving their usual SNAP assistance. Visit your state's SNAP website or call your local office to ask about:

• Emergency food boxes

• Bridge funding for SNAP

• Temporary nutrition programs

You can use findhelp.org or 211.org Food Resource Finder to search for these programs. Your pediatrician's office is also a great resource.

Author

Caring Pediatrics Caring Pediatrics