SNAP benefits running dry causes increased foot traffic at food pantries

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — As the holidays approach, changes to SNAP benefits could make it even harder for families already struggling with rising grocery prices. More people are now turning to local food pantries for help.

Starting November 1st, if the government shutdown continues SNAP benefits can be delayed, not issued at all, or funds will be reduced for many families. This means they’ll get less money each month to buy groceries. Kingdom Ministries Church held their monthly food pantry giveaway on Friday at 11am and were wiped out within minutes of giving out food. 

“Today was organized chaos," said Billy Carter, Pastor of Kingdom Ministries Church. "We did the best we could. The need is overwhelming.”

The Kingdom Ministries food pantry takes place in Troy at Central Little Leagues field every 3rd Friday of the month to giveaway food to those who need it but this time it was different. 

“We started unloading the palettes immediately, and as soon as the truck even got here, honestly, people were just going around. Everyone not even filling out any forms. They're just so hungry. They're trying to get as much as they can," said Antonia Herrle, Volunteer for Kingdom Ministries Church and food pantry.

People were taking whole boxes of food and there was no limit on how much they can take so a lot of what they had ran out rather quickly.

“Most people that come here are receiving SNAP benefits or limited income and what they're telling us is they just don't have enough benefits, enough money to meet their food challenges,” said Pastor Carter.

News10's Tyanna Xavier tried to speak to some locals who came to get food, but none wanted to be on camera. The majority told her that they didn’t want people to know this is what they have to resort to and that they rely on these food pantries for food.

"The families don't have enough money, and they are just so appreciative of being able to come here," Pastor Carter.

News10's Tyanna Xavier went to speak to Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of the Food Pantries for the Capital District to learn more about what could happen if SNAP benefits are cut after the first of November.

"We potentially could have more than 40,000 people right here in the capital region that are going to need even more food from food pantries because they don't have dollars to buy groceries," said Pernicka.

Pernicka also says that we have been experiencing an over 30% increase in food inflation since 2019. 

"So, food prices have gone up. People are not keeping up, and this is a systemic issue. This is not a personal character failure. This is a systemic issue that we have nearly 3 million New Yorkers relying on SNAP assistance along with food pantries," said Pernicka.

Volunteers at food pantries like Kingdom Ministries Church says they’re bracing themselves for more families needing help, as they are just trying to keep up with the demand and making sure everyone gets food. However, they are solely based on donations so they belive they may need to limit how much each person can take so they can make sure everyone is getting food.