By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – A vital federal service for those who need access to food benefits, imperilled by the federal government shutdown, now have a contingency plan designed by the state and nonprofit partners.
It involves the NH Food Bank and local providers who help keep food on the table for many and now those bracing for a crisis if the shutdown continues.
Of the 1.4 million state residents, there are 75,000 who tap into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or “SNAP” program.
The federal government shutdown which is now in its 22nd day and in the event of a prolonged shutdown, November’s SNAP food benefits may not be issued until federal funding is restored.
To assist these families, children and elderly the plan is to partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to increase SNAP recipients’ access to food through the Food Bank’s mobile food pantry program and traditional food pantries located across the State.
Upon approval by the Fiscal Committee and Executive Council which meets next Wednesday, the Food Bank will provide mobile food pantries specifically for SNAP participants in locations identified by the State.
The Food Bank will also provide more food options to SNAP participants at traditional food pantries.
“I want to thank our partners at the New Hampshire Food Bank for joining us in this effort to ensure vulnerable Granite Staters get the food they need in the event this shutdown continues,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “Now, politicians in Washington must get their act together and reopen the federal government so critical programs like SNAP and WIC can continue without disruption.”
Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver said “we recognize the importance of SNAP to New Hampshire residents, and we are monitoring this situation closely…we are working with our community partners across the state in an effort to limit disruptions for people who are experiencing food insecurity and are committed to helping people connect with resources for food assistance until the federal government shutdown is resolved or benefits are restored.”
DHHS and the NH Department of Education are also reaching out to families in school communities to notify them that the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, which provide free and reduced meals to children each school day, continue to be available for eligible families.
For more information on these programs, please visit https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-wellness-and-nutrition/office-nutrition-programs-and-services-onps/national-school-lunch-program.
SNAP recipients may not be able to access any unused benefits on their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards and want to consider using benefits currently on their EBT cards before October 31.
People receiving SNAP can check their EBT card balances by visiting www.ebtedge.com or calling 1-888-997-9777. Individuals who receive Cash Assistance on their EBT cards will continue to be able to access those benefits. DHHS is still processing new SNAP applications and people are encouraged to continue to apply.
Earlier this week, the State announced it had secured additional funding to sustain food benefits for the 13,000 people in New Hampshire participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) until at least November 7.
However, if the federal shutdown lasts into November, funding will not be available to support Local WIC Agencies after October 31.
The following Local WIC Agencies will close starting on November 1.
Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties
Goodwin Community Health
Community Action Partnership Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties
Southwestern Community Services
While Local WIC Agencies are closed, WIC participants can continue to receive benefits and food balances on the WIC Shopper app or by calling 855-279-0680.
Anyone with additional questions can call DHHS at 800-942-4321.
Resources are available for people experiencing food insecurity, including city and town welfare offices and local food pantries. Granite Staters can call 211, or visit the New Hampshire Food Bank’s Food Map for a full listing of food assistance programs.
For more information about WIC and SNAP, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/food-meals-assistance/snap-and-wic-federal-shutdown-information. Updates will be posted as soon as information becomes available.