Toledoans feel stranded after government shutdown leads to snap benefit cuts

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Toledoans who have relied on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for years could soon have to find another alternative.

The acting head of SNAP said the program only has funding available through the month of October. Adding that if the shutdown continues, there will not be enough funding for 42 million individuals across the country.

“I have been using SNAP benefits for a while. I don’t think I would really be able to make it without SNAP. And a whole lot of people rely on it. It means everything to me,” Toledoan, Macker Plummer said.

Plummer said he has relied on these benefits for over six years. He said as a senior, unable to work, it’s his only way of being able to pay for food.

Grace Davis is another Toledo resident who used to use SNAP benefits. She said it’s disheartening to hear that families could have to go with less from this program, and that it helped her through some tough times with her kids.

“Even the prices are going up at the grocery stores, I mean, you know it’s terrible. SNAP benefits still help make ends meet,” Davis said.

Local food banks like Toledo Northwestern Ohio are anticipating the cuts to SNAP. The president and CEO, James Caldwell, said they are already starting to see an increase in foot traffic at the food bank due to the government shutdown.

“Our numbers have already begun to increase. We anticipate that snap benefits will be reduced. We are taking steps to make sure we are accessing enough food supplies to feed those folks,” Caldwell said.

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