Hope and Prayer Could Not Stop the Crisis: SNAP Funding Lapse Sparks Disaster at Greater Cleveland Food Bank
With the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding now expired due to the federal government shutdown, food banks across Northeast Ohio are preparing for a significant rise in demand. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank has already experienced a 40% increase in visitors, even before the crisis fully unfolded.
Volunteers returning to “disaster mode”
At the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, volunteers have resumed packing disaster boxes, a task that many believed they had left behind after the pandemic. The sound of tape sealing boxes fills the warehouse as dozens of people work in an assembly-line fashion to fill each box with essential items like pasta, rice, and canned vegetables.
“That was a very trying time,” said volunteer Shawana Hanson, recalling the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “And here we are — we find ourselves in another trying time.”
Hanson, who typically volunteers once a week, has tripled her hours. “Because, you know, the government shutdown — we need more bodies in here packing these boxes,” she said. “So for the next three weeks, I’ll be here three times a week.”
On Saturday alone, volunteers and high school students helped pack over 2,000 emergency boxes — each one designed to help families stretch their meals while SNAP assistance is disrupted.
Food Bank President and CEO Kristin Warzocha mentioned that they have activated their internal disaster plan — something they haven’t had to do since the peak of the pandemic.
“We had hoped and prayed this day would not come,” Warzocha said. “Every food bank and every partner agency and every food pantry together cannot make up for a month of no SNAP. We need an end to this federal government shutdown.”
Warzocha added that November is always one of the busiest months of the year as the food bank prepares for holiday meal distributions — but this year’s pressure is unlike anything they’ve seen in years.
“This really is a disaster — not just for Northeast Ohio, but for our country,” she said.
Federal court ruling
On Friday, two federal judges ordered the government to continue funding SNAP, directing officials to use emergency reserves to keep benefits flowing for now. However, the administration has requested clarification on how quickly it can legally restore full funding.
Despite this, Warzocha says local food banks are preparing as if the need will continue to grow.
“The goal here is to do as much as possible to make sure our partner agencies are prepared when they see a significant increase in need — and that increase in need is coming,” she said.
How to help
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is asking for donations and volunteers as it increases its operations. Residents can donate, sign up to help, or find food assistance resources at greaterclevelandfoodbank.org.
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