Due to the Federal Government shutdown, thousands of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit recipients are having their benefits suspended and are in need of food resources. SNAP is the most effective tool we have to fight hunger. We need to take a stance and make sure families don’t go hungry.
As we approach the holiday season, many people are facing uncertainty regarding their SNAP benefits due to the political unrest in our nation’s capital. WNYIL along with Independent Living Centers statewide have compiled a SNAP Resource Page to help consumers during this challenging time and connect with available resources. Local resources can be accessed here.
It is extremely important for the public to act and tell Congress they need complete restoration of SNAP benefits. Contact your congressman in Washington and have them put pressure on the USDA and sign onto the SNAP bill. Congress needs to hear your story as to why SNAP matters to you.
This action alert campaign is not only for SNAP recipients, because this crisis affects everyone. Hunger and poverty go hand and hand. We need our government to step up and stop playing games. It’s time to answer the call that Americans want, reinstate our SNAP benefits!
Here’s how you can help during this frustrating time. Use the email below to contact your Federal Representative in Congress. Tell them you are concerned about the current plight of the SNAP Benefit Program and that they need to take a stand.
“Dear Congressman (or Congresswoman) (Last Name),
We need you to step up and meet the people’s demands to restore our SNAP Benefit Program. With the holidays approaching, we find more and more people needing food assistance. Your voice can help others to realize that we need SNAP Benefits and the value of having food available to needy people.
Please be the leader that we know you can be by persuading the USDA and fellow congressmen the importance of SNAP Benefits.”
Please share the personal impact a lack of SNAP Benefits has on you.
Here is a link to Find your Representative.
Questions can be directed to:
- Erie County, Todd Vaarwerk, Chief Policy Officer, WNYIL – 716-836-0822, extension 101
- Niagara County, Chris Szafarski, Systems Advocate, ILNC – 716-284-4131, extension 204
- Genesee Region, Rae Frank, Director, ILGR – 716-381-1590, extension 406
Below you will find a listing of various food pantries throughout the region. These lists are not comprehensive but provide a starting pointing. You can also call 211 to be connected to resources in your area.
Buffalo and Surrounding Areas Food Pantries
Cheektowaga, Lackawanna, Orchard Park, Tonawanada/North Tonawanda and West Seneca Food Pantries