Nonprofit helping to feed families with food giveaway in Port Chester amid government shutdown
PORT CHESTER, New York (WABC) -- As Americans navigate not having SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown, one nonprofit organization is helping to feed families and fight food insecurity in Westchester County.
Among the people who gathered in a church parking lot in Port Chester on Monday morning included Nina Goodman.
The 59-year-old picked up a shopping ball full of farm fresh food at the Meals on Main St. mobile distribution van, part of a daily routine for Goodman and many others currently experiencing food insecurity.
"It touches my heart because this is the time when people need the most. The economy is really difficult, especially for people and a single mother who is not working. To me it's a blessing," Goodman said.
Goodman and millions of SNAP recipients across the country got a morsel of good news from Washington over the weekend.
Republicans secured votes from eight Democratic senators to advance legislation that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, a deal that spark a condemnation from members of their own party.
"It is an unconditional surrender that abandons 24 million Americans that will see their health care premiums more than double," New York Rep. Ritchie Torres said.
Despite the news out of Washington, state leaders know a reopening of the federal government will not happen overnight.
On Monday, the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey, along with several of their counterparts, strategized on how to protect SNAP benefits for the many recipients in their states.
Back in Port Chester, Meals on Main St. Executive Director Jon Haseltine told Eyewitness News his staffers have seen plenty of new faces on the long lines of people in need for a handout of free food.
"A lot of people who work two or three jobs or are out of a job at the moment, they are in line. They are looking to get food for their families and their children," Halsetine said.
Among the food Goodman was able to receive from Meals on Main St. included cauliflower, eggplant, and cheese. She also received bread, potatoes, onions and tomatoes.
For those seeking alternative resources if SNAP benefits are discontinued on November 1 or if you are looking to help, please visit abc7ny.com/foodhelp for more information.
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