What is it:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal program to provide financial assistance for groceries for low-income families; participants receive assistance on a monthly basis. Many Americans rely on SNAP benefits to survive their everyday lives. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly 41 million people received assistance in 2024.
What’s going on:
With the current government shutdown, funding for the SNAP program has run out. There is an emergency fund that can cover some of the cost. Following a court decision, the federal government said on Monday that some of those emergency funds would be used to cover about half of November benefits, and those will be delayed. This could result in 1 out of every 8 Americans losing access to food for themselves and their families, but there are still other options available.
What options are there:
People needing assistance have several local options.
- Platte County Food Pantry
- Centro Hispano
- Simon House
- Colfax County Food Pantry
- Hy-Vee – hot meals from 4-7pm, 11/3-11/7; free for kids, $3 for adults
Students who need help or have questions can talk to Mrs. Spale in the Counseling Office.
