SPOKANE, Wash. -- For many families who rely on SNAP benefits to subsidize income, the extra $95 a month since the pandemic started has been a blessing. But now, those benefits are expiring.
These families are bracing for tougher times at the grocery store, as produce and eggs are reaching record-high prices.
Brenda Dilley says it's taking a toll on her.
"I felt sad, a little bit angry. People were relying on that," she said.
The cut to SNAP benefits on March 1 will leave Dilley with no alternative option, other than relying on local food banks.
"I think it's unfair because I and my husband are low-income people, we don't make much money from social security. I think it's really unfair," she said.
Dilley isn't alone, as a local senior center says the benefits will impact many seniors as well since many are on a fixed income.
"I'm very sad about that. I'm very sad that we don't have enough food or stamps to cover, with economy and inflation, everything is going on in our country," said Sandra Fryer, a SNAP benefits recipient.
"There is some nervousness, really concerned with what they are going to do because it's been there for so long, became a part of their monthly budget," said Shannon Kessler, the senior center's manager.
Local food bank centers say they expect to see higher foot traffic once the extra benefits run out.
"If the demand increases and the availability is still challenging, we could be in trouble. It could be a point of where we can't meet the demand," said Cal Coblentz, CEO of Spokane Valley Partners.
Second Harvest sees rising demand already in Idaho, where the extra SNAP benefits already ended.
"Demand is up, supply is down, prices are up," said Eric Williams, community partnerships director at Second Harvest Inland Northwest. "We had to change our business model some, we are doing fewer deliveries and more using hubs. We take a semi-load of food to rural resources in Colville and local pantries will come to the area and pick them up. We are making adjustments to try to make us more efficient."
With the loss of benefits combined with inflation, it's a one-two punch to families, who are left with no other options.
"It's going to be really frustrating for a lot of people," said Dilley.
►Subscribe: [ Ссылка ]
►Website: [ Ссылка ]
►Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
►Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
