PHOENIX (AZFamily) — As the government starts to reopen, questions are still swirling around November SNAP payments.
Organizations like Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP) said the uncertainty is leading families to their dining rooms.
Throughout the longest government shutdown in history, SVdP Evening Meal Program Manager Cindy Bernardo said a lot of new families came through their doors and is expecting it to continue.
“It’s not only because of the SNAP benefits, but it’s also because there just aren’t any jobs out there, plus trying to buy a loaf of bread is really tough these days,” Bernardo said. ““I think the not knowing is the toughest part.”
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Bernardo said SVdP is gearing up to increase support by increasing food distributions and giving away extra food boxes.
After not receiving her November SNAP payment, Brook, a single mother of eight, said she has been bringing her family to SVdP’s dining room every night.
“Ever since things have been going on with the government, I always had it, and finally they shut it off,” Brook said. “Especially when your kids are asking you mom like why don’t we have any food, you know, major stress.”
Wanting to remain anonymous, Brook shared the uncertainty has been extremely stressful, especially right before Thanksgiving. She said it has forced her to make tough decisions for her and her family.
“You’re having to come home and you’re having to think, ‘Well, what am I going to do? Am I going to pay a bill or feed my kids,’” she said. “You’re constantly choosing, ‘Yeah, I’m going to feed my kid.’ So bills are piling up.”
As the government reopens, Brook is hoping for more food stamp stability moving forward. In the meantime, she said she’s thankful for SVdP’s dining room for filling her family’s stomachs.
“We call in Vinny’s because it’s our little second home. Don’t be ashamed that you need to ask for help. There’s lots of places to go to like SVdP; they help tremendously,” she said.
If you and your family need help getting food on the table, SVdP operates several dining rooms across the Valley.
On Thanksgiving, SVdP will give away over 5,000 Thanksgiving dinners.
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