At 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, just days after the Trump administration announced it would stop funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits impacting over 40 million Americans, volunteers at the Princeton Kindness Food Project were working diligently in a busy storage room filled with food trays and the sounds of a humming elevator.
Community members lined up outside the Princeton YMCA, ready to select from an assortment of freshly baked pies, produce, pre-packaged meals, and bags of bread. Many arrived right at the start of food pickups, eager to receive support.
As SNAP benefits remain uncertain amid a government shutdown, food banks in Princeton are preparing for an increase in demand. Recently, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits for November, but questions linger about how much aid recipients will receive and when.
“This hasn’t hit our little corner of Princeton yet,” said Lois Hilimire, a volunteer for the Princeton Kindness Project. Despite the rising challenges, the group, which helps around 100 people each week, continues to gather food from local farms and businesses.
“There were concerns that the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) might have to cut back, but thankfully, they’re managing,” Hilimire noted.
Ross Wishnick, president of Send Hunger Packing Princeton (SHUPP), said they haven’t seen an uptick in demand since the halt in SNAP funding. However, they did receive more food than usual from a supplier, indicating a proactive response to potential future needs.
“The state allocated around $42 million for food distributors,” Wishnick explained, noting that these funds are crucial for food pantries and banks during the federal hold-up.
Additionally, Amy Lansky, president of the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, reported increased support from the community. “Many have asked how they can help,” she said, appreciating the generosity from local churches, gyms, and schools.
Food organizations like Arm in Arm, which serves areas throughout New Jersey, have noted a rise in visitors to their pantries. They estimate an additional 250 new families will seek assistance each week, projecting a monthly cost of $50,000 to sustain this growth.
“We’re gearing up for the worst, given the uncertainty around SNAP benefits,” Wishnick said. He added that as winter approaches, the availability of fresh produce decreases, making it tougher for pantries to meet rising demand.
In light of the ongoing issues, volunteers are closely monitoring pantry supplies and adjusting efforts as needed. “We don’t know if the government will comply with the court orders,” Wishnick warned.
Despite the challenges, both volunteers and community members rally together, proving that even in tough times, support can thrive. As the holidays near, the demand for assistance typically rises, highlighting the ongoing need for community solidarity.
Local initiatives also include direct donations at the Arm in Arm pantry on campus, where community members can drop off extra food and snacks.
In times of uncertainty, Princeton exemplifies how communities can come together to support one another.
For more details on local hunger initiatives and state funding, you can read about it here from PBS and USA Today.
