"With local food banks already stretched thin, she worried that her neighbors might soon go hungry. So, on Monday night, she closed her eyes and asked, "What can I do to help?" A few hours later, she came across a post on a Facebook community group about becoming a "grocery buddy" someone who buys groceries for a stranger or anyone at risk of losing their food benefits. Without hesitation, Spradley wrote her own callout, offering support."
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said funding has run dry for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program better known as SNAP or food stamps past October. For nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the assistance, that means their debit-like EBT cards are at risk of not being refilled this month. Some states have committed funding to help fill the gap, but it's unclear how long the support can last."
"In response to the limbo, there has been a wave of people nationwide on social media participating in an informal grocery buddy system until benefits are restored. Some "buddies" are sending gift cards, while others are shopping and dropping off groceries. In her neighborhood of Rogers Park, Spradley said more than two dozen people replied to her offer some asking for help themselves, others pointing to friends or neighbors who need the support."
A Chicago resident initiated local help after federal food aid paused at November's start during the government shutdown. Community members are volunteering as "grocery buddies" to buy groceries or send gift cards to strangers and people at risk of losing SNAP benefits. The USDA said funding ran dry after October, endangering EBT refills for nearly 42 million Americans. Some states have temporarily filled the gap. A federal judge ordered the USDA to use emergency funds to keep SNAP going and required an update. Social media has mobilized dozens in neighborhoods to respond, with small nonprofits also coordinating support.
Read at www.npr.org
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