Urgent: SNAP Benefits Suspension Threatens Food Security for Thousands in Sheboygan County

More than 12,000 residents in Sheboygan County are struggling with food insecurity due to a temporary halt in SNAP benefits. This situation is particularly concerning for families, as over half of those impacted are children.

Sarah Oyler, a local resident who has depended on SNAP for the past two years, is feeling the pressure. With just 71 cents left in her SNAP account, she worries about how she’ll feed her family this month. “I barely have anything in the fridge,” she said.

This sudden suspension of benefits has left many like Sarah anxious. “I don’t know how I’ll survive the month of November,” she expressed. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the number of people relying on SNAP in the area highlights a growing need for assistance, especially with food pantries already seeing dwindling supplies.

Local food banks and nonprofits are preparing for an increase in demand, but they need community support to continue their work. The Sheboygan County Food Bank has specifically requested donations of items like cereal, canned tuna, pasta, and sauce.

A survey conducted by the Food Research & Action Center revealed that food insecurity has spiked due to economic strain, with nearly one in six families in the U.S. experiencing similar challenges. The impact is felt more in communities that rely heavily on federal assistance programs, like Sheboygan County.

Sarah, like many others, is hoping for positive news soon. “I’m crossing my fingers that the government will open in December,” she said, reflecting the uncertainty many currently face.

For those looking to help, local resources like food pantries are a vital lifeline. They can provide immediate support to families in need while we navigate these tough times together.

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