ASHLAND, Ky. (WOWK)- As the government shutdown continues to pause the release of SNAP benefits, 13 News went to Ashland, Kentucky, to see how people are holding up through these uncertain times.
Julia Conley and Kristin Timble are two single mothers who each have two children at home. They work between 30 and 40 hours a week at Hillcrest-Bruce Mission, keeping the food pantry shelves stocked, and connecting those who have fallen on hard times with services that get them back on their feet.
Which states have the most SNAP recipients?
Both Conley and Timble rely on SNAP benefits to cover the costs of groceries, but they said even before the government shut down, they were struggling.
“There’s just a lot of people terrified of how we’re going to feed our kids next month,” said Timble.
Two West Virginians create a food resource database to assist through SNAP pause
“The worst part is, we were already struggling with the food stamps. There are a lot of my friends and family and co-workers that I’m scared for. I have faith that everything is going to work out the way it’s supposed to, but I know people who don’t have that, and they’re really scared,” said Conley.
Over 600,000 Kentuckians are enrolled in the SNAP program. With no end to the government shutdown in sight, people like Conley and Timble feel like they are being forced to make difficult decisions.
Ohio, Kentucky food pantries prepare for halt in SNAP benefits
“It’s not even about putting wants over needs. These are basic necessities that people need to survive off of,” said Timble.
“At this point in my life, I’ve never been here before, but I’m trading different needs like every month, like which needs are the most needed, and some bills still go unpaid,” said Conley.
United Way hotline helps connect those in need with support
“It’s like, which bill do I need to put back this month just so that I can buy my kids food?” echoed Timble.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recently joined 24 other states in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture, asking for courts to demand the USDA release the SNAP contingency funds to provide some relief to the people who need them.
Conley and Timble are hopeful this will lead to them getting the support they need.
