PASCO, Wash. – As the government shutdown continues, millions of Americans are left wondering about the future of their SNAP benefits. This uncertainty is putting additional strain on the food bank system, with Second Harvest seeing the impact firsthand.
The pressure on SNAP is intensifying daily, causing concerns for those reliant on these resources. “It’s really difficult to just tell people: ‘hey, we’re going to run out at about this car,'” said Second Harvest team member, Eric Williams.
Second Harvest acts as a food bank for food banks, distributing donated food to local organizations. They engage with the community through programs like mobile markets. “Where we’re really struggling a little bit is on our mobile markets,” said Williams.
“We’ll advertise them for 250 if we can. We’ll try to take food for a little bit more than 250 families. Last week, most of our mobile markets had to turn away 50 to 70 cars.” Turning away cars is uncommon, and the current numbers are nearly unheard of, according to an employee at Second Harvest’s Pasco location.
Despite the challenges, the team remains resilient. “In the food banking world, you got to always look at the glass as half full,” Williams said.
Although predicting future developments in Washington, DC is uncertain, the Second Harvest team is committed to helping as many people as possible. “We can’t come close to trying to predict what will happen in DC. I mean, it just anybody who knows what’s going to happen in DC, please have them call us,” joked Williams.
The efforts of Second Harvest are supported by a community of generous contributors. “I really want to emphasize it’s the generosity, the farmers, the orchards, the processors, the grocery stores, the manufacturers who and people who are sending funds. It’s that generosity that not only helps us fill the food bank but also, you know, it fills our hearts,” Williams said.
Second Harvest continues to do what it can to support those in need, even amid uncertainty.
