TRISHA GEDON

If the government shutdown continues, more than 680,000 Oklahoma families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will struggle even more to put food on the table when their food-supplement benefits are suspended.

SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides benefits to more than 42 million low-income families across the country, helping them afford healthy food. Currently, SNAP users will not receive new benefits after Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which started on Oct. 1, said Nila Pradhananga, Oklahoma State University Extension food and nutrition state specialist.

“Unless Congress reaches a funding agreement, SNAP users will not receive new benefits,” she said. “With grocery prices continuing to rise, many families are feeling the pinch at the grocery store, especially those who rely on this program to supplement their food budgets. Unused SNAP benefits will still be available.”

Local food pantries are valuable resources for families throughout the shutdown. Keep in mind that food pantries are different than food banks. Food banks are warehouses that collect and store food donations and the proceeds from food drives, and then distribute this food to local food pantries. Food pantries, in turn, provide free food to local families. The Food Finder app is a helpful tool for locating food pantries in the area. To find local food banks, visit the Feeding America: Find Local Food Banks website. Additionally, check the local city or county government websites for more information.

“People who are able are encouraged to support their local food pantries with both food and monetary donations,” Pradhananga said. “The food pantry can buy in bulk at a lower cost, which makes monetary donations go further, but food donations are welcome.”Some highdemand donation items include shelf-stable proteins, such as canned tuna and chicken, as well as canned and dried beans and peanut butter. Canned fruits and vegetables, pantry staples and whole-grain foods are encouraged. Nonfood items, including diapers, cleaning supplies, paper products and personal hygiene items are also needed. Food pantries are also seeking volunteers to help stock shelves and assist families while they shop.

“Thousands of Oklahoma families will be relying heavily on food pantries as long as the government shutdown continues,” she said. “OSU Extension is a valuable resource for information that can help families who are already balancing tight budgets.”

Contact the county OSU Extension office for more information about local resources. The OSU Extension fact sheet Smart eating: Balancing health, budget and waste reduction offers consumers timely tips.

OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.