Many families in the state of Arkansas are starting to feel the effects of the government shutdown in Washington, as delayed SNAP benefits are starting to take effect disproportionately on food assistance recipients.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services warned SNAP recipients before the Nov.1 date that their benefits would be reduced or not arrive on time, leaving many families and individuals wondering if they will be able to get food for days to come.

With there being some uncertainty and concern about assistance from the federal government, the state has notified families to be prepared for the interruptions to their benefits and how long it will stay in place.

Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders is sending an emergency grant of $500,000 to assist food banks across the state to help with the growing needs of food essentials for those who are in desperate need.

Food Pantries in Conway and in Little Rock have seen a high demand in food needs over the past few weeks. 

The Arkansas Community Advocates food pantry in Conway, AR has seen demand for more foods to give to the community has grown much bigger since the start of the government shutdown.

“This is probably the most business that we have gotten since COVID back in 2020. It is a greater demand for essential needs for food that has affected a lot of people in some type of way. We are always accepting any foods that are good and long lasting for residents in the Conway community and other areas for anyone that is in need,” said volunteer and staff member Jacob Greene.

Arkansas households that depend on these benefits from SNAP are expected to only have a portion of their benefits that they would usually receive before the government shutdown.

Local and national leaders are encouraging not just Arkansas residents to help with what they have, but other surrounding communities to help others that are in need as well.

Food Banks are asking donors and volunteers to non- non-perishable foods like pasta, canned vegetables, and healthy snacks.

The sudden pause of SNAP benefits has shown how much various members of the communities rely on these monthly funds and how times like these are important to food banks to always be prepared for these unexpected situations.

“Most people think of food pantries as just a short-term solution, but we will always be here for assistance. Having extra boxes of cereal or just some canned goods sitting in your cabinet is really helpful right now for someone who is not able to get assistance with their benefits being stopped due to the shutdown right now,” said Volunteer Coordinator Derrick Jones.

The state of Arkansas was already ranked among states that have the highest food insecurity rates in the country before the shutdown took place.

The Government shutdown of 30 days has now passed the longest in history, beating the previous shutdown in 2019.

Both the Democrats and Republicans are currently still in a standoff on passing a new annual spending bill.