Local Charities Rally To Feed Families During Federal Shutdown Crisis
By BRIANNA FERGUSON
SUNY Institute for Local News
ONEONTA
While the U.S. federal government shutdown is nearing a possible end after a historic 40-plus days, many Otsego County residents are still struggling to put food on the table after losing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) food benefits for nearly two weeks. Luckily, food pantries and community meal sites around the county have stepped in to help those area residents who need emergency food assistance.
In Oneonta, St. Mary’s Food Pantry and The Salvation Army Food Pantry are among the more than half-dozen agencies in the city that are rallying to assist those community members experiencing food security as a direct result of the government shutdown.
These feeding centers went on alert soon after the shutdown started on October 1. Food banks and community kitchens around the nation quickly began preparing for an increase in the number of families who need food assistance. Oneonta’s local charities were no different, stockpiling food and readying their facilities throughout October, anticipating an influx of patrons when the federal benefits lapsed on November 1.
