Government Shutdown Really Starts to Hit Home

More than 700 households in Fayette County rely on the federal Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That program went on pause Nov. 1 as part of the federal government shutdown. Local food pantries say they are already experiencing the effects of it.

AMEN Food Pantry in La Grange serves clients on Monday mornings and averages 70-75 families served each Monday. When the Record visited AMEN this past Monday, Nov. 3, they had already surpassed their average, serving 86 clients by about 10:40 a.m.

“We’ll probably get 20 more before we close,” said AMEN President Cassie Girard.

AMEN Board Member Linda Oltmann said she had processed six applications from new clients that morning. A seventh came into her office while she and Girard were speaking with the newspaper. Outside, the lobby was packed with people waiting their turn.

They’re also adjusting operations to meet the increased demand. AMEN will offer a pickup time on Thursday from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Girard said the extra hours are intended for working families who cannot visit the pantry on Monday mornings. So far, AMEN says it can manage the influx of new clients.

“Were not running out of food,” Girard said. “But food donations are always accepted.” Girard said they also accept donations of reusable bags.

“We’re very thankful for H-E-B and Walmart,” Oltmann said. “They’re part of the Feeding America program. They bring us bread products, frozen meat, produce, and pastries. It’s very helpful to the clients.”

Oltmann said AMEN is also thankful for everyone in the community who brings them garden produce and fresh eggs.

“We’ll see how long this lasts,” Girard said. “It’s bad for our clients with this happening so close to the holidays.”

Debra Blansitt, President of the Schulenburg Area Food Pantry (SAFP), said she’s noticed an increased need for food assistance as well.

“We’re getting new clients walking in,” Blansitt said.

“We’re doing OK. Our shelves aren’t full but they aren’t empty, either. We are holding our own right now.”

SAFP offers food pickups on Thursday mornings. Blansitt said they were busy last Thursday, and she expects a big crowd when they open this Thursday.

Thankfully, Blansitt said, this is the time of year when groups often hold food drives to benefit the pantry. She knows of four upcoming food drives planned in the Schulenburg area.

“It’s a giving time of year, and that’s going to help us,” Blansitt said.

Blansitt said a few young people with birthdays have asked for donations to the food pantry instead of birthday presents.

“It’s a really nice gesture,” she said.

However, she said supplies coming in from the Central Texas Food Bank have dropped off lately. When they can’t get donated items, SAFP purchases from grocery stores and discount retailers.

“We have the money to keep things on the shelves, especially the basics,” Blansitt said.

“But it could get rough, if our funds go out the door trying to keep food on the shelves,” she added.

About 42 million people rely on SNAP benefits nationwide. President Donald Trump’s administration told a federal judge on Monday that it would pay half the costs of SNAP benefits for November, although no date was given. But then on Tuesday, President Trump announced that the SNAP benefits would only be paid after Democrats agree to reopen the government.

As of Wednesday, Nov. 5, the 36-day government shutdown became the longest in U.S. history with no end in sight. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated this week that he and his allies will not vote to reopen the government unless Republicans agree to extend Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of this year.