Starting March 1, many people currently receiving the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to lose extra payments or have their payments stopped completely due to changes in the income guidelines that will make them ineligible.
Benefits had been increased and income limits changed during the pandemic, which allowed more families to participate in the SNAP program. Maryland saw a 20 to 30 percent increase in SNAP benefits during the pandemic while the national average was 14 percent. Unfortunately, even with rising food prices, Congress has decided to make these changes.
Two weeks ago, the St. Hugh Food Pantry, which usually serves 40 to 50 families a week, had 69 families come to pick up food in anticipation of their benefits changing in March. Last week 57 families came to the pantry for food.
The pantry is grateful to their food assistance community partners: PORCH volunteers who collect monthly neighborhood food donations (Robert Goldberg-Strassler, spreadruak@gmail.com), the Co-op Supermarket’s $5 food-bag donation program, Greenbelt CARES funding for grocery store gift cards and individuals who contribute both food and money to purchase food for the pantry. The St. Hugh Ladies of Charity members who coordinate the pantry would not be able to meet the need without this ongoing support.
The pantry is currently in need of canned fruit, boxed cereal, canned chicken, spaghetti noodles, brownie mix and canned vegetables. For any questions, email mary_tretler@yahoo.com.
Food Pantry Needs Increase As Many Lose SNAP Benefits
