Community Support Boosts Local Food Pantries Amid SNAP Benefits Cuts

Idaho has started issuing partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to over 15,000 low-income residents. This began on November 7, with plans to complete the funds distribution by November 12.

Due to a government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is directing states to provide reduced benefits for this month. Recipients will see about 50% of their usual aid.

Currently, more than 41.7 million Americans, roughly 12.3% of the population, rely on SNAP benefits. In Idaho, approximately 6.5% of the state’s population benefited from SNAP in 2024, including around 52,000 children. In Latah County, around 1,836 residents, or about 4.65% of the county’s population, received assistance. Thankfully, benefits from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program are not impacted by the shutdown.

The Vandal Food Pantry at the University of Idaho has seen an increase in visitors, with 48 students attending on one day recently, and an average of 30 students using the pantry daily. Anyone with a Vandal Card can access the pantry, operating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays in Shoup Hall.

Sandra Kelly, who manages the pantry, encourages students to visit without hesitation. “There should be no stigma,” she says. The pantry is there to support everyone, regardless of their financial status.

On November 9, the West Side Food Pantry, organized by Inland Oasis, collected over 8,350 pounds of food in a food drive to support those in need. Nick Koenig, a volunteer there, stressed that food stamps don’t replace the need for community support. The pantry hosts free food events every Friday at the 1912 Center.

A community forum is scheduled for November 22 at the 1912 Center, where attendees can donate cash and food. Koenig expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this challenging time.

For SNAP recipients, it’s essential to check EBT cards for available funds and explore local food pantries. Notable food banks in Moscow include:

• Vandal Food Pantry: Shoup Hall, Room 105; Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Food Pantry: Agricultural Biotechnology Building lounge.
• Moscow Food Bank: 110 N Polk St.; Tuesday-Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Westside Food Pantry: 730 W. Pullman Rd. No. 3; hours vary by volunteer availability.

For those wishing to help, donations can be made at the Idaho Foodbank here.

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