Paterson sees record turnout for turkey giveaway after SNAP cuts during government shutdown
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Along with tariffs, high inflation and the cut of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown have left a lot of people still struggling to afford groceries.
A food giveaway for families in Paterson, New Jersey, saw a record turnout.
Gratitude wrapped around Paterson City Hall tonight as 1,500 free turkeys and chickens were given away ahead of Thanksgiving.
Truckloads of hope went into grateful hands.
"It's been a little bit tough because I am a single mom and I'm not from here. I'm Latin. So this is great," Erly Vivas said.
"I'm really thankful for this. Really thankful. I have my grandkids. I gotta feed them. This really helps a lot," Brenda Weaver said.
According to the USDA, the price of beef and veal is expected to rise by 11.6% over the next few months.
"How are we supposed to feed kids if the prices keep going up and we're not getting more money?"Weaver said.
Pork is expected to rise by 1.4% and poultry by 1.9%.
Gjebar Beqiri is the owner of Brothers Quality Halal Meat and one of the sponsors of the turkey giveaway, says his business is feeling the pinch of inflation.
"I think this time of year around the holidays we need to show more giving and more love, especially with what's going on lately, I think it's well needed in the city," Gjebar Beqiri said.
The city of Paterson does the turkey giveaway every year, but the mayor's office says this year, three times as many people turned out.
This line wrapped around the building and stretched for several blocks.
"As you can see there is a tremendous need, government shutdown, snap benefits delayed, almost denied, and this is just a sign of the times. We do have a cost crisis, we have an issue of affordability," Mayor Andre Sayegh said.
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