Anxiety building for Connecticut residents as SNAP benefit cuts loom

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Federal funding for SNAP food assistance could halt Saturday, leaving 360,000 Connecticut residents without new benefits on their EBT cards.

Gov. Ned Lamont said he is allocating $3 million to Connecticut Foodshare to help stock food pantries as the government shutdown continues. Hartford and local businesses are also contributing resources to address potential food shortages.

“As of tomorrow night, food assistance for millions of Americans across the country and 47-thousand Hartford residents is going to be impacted and it is a sad day for all of us,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam.

There are donation boxes inside of City Hall and QR codes have been posted to help residents find local pantries.

Beth Boyle, who runs the House of Bread food pantry, said that the demand for help is increasing.

“I received four voicemails [Thursday] morning. Four from people wanting to help. But the last of which was a woman crying, and she said I am disabled, I am hungry, and I need help,” Boyle said.

Kelly Carney, owner of KC’s Pub in Guilford, will provide free family meals once a week starting Saturday. The meals can be eaten at the restaurant or taken out, and volunteers will deliver to those without transportation.

“Its just a way to pay it forward. I have been blessed to have help when I have needed it. And it’s just something we want to do for the community,” Carney said.

Residents can sign up for the meals through the restaurant’s website under “KC’s Cares.”

Attorney General William Tong and 21 states are suing President Trump over the SNAP funding, arguing that the money is in a reserve fund for emergencies.

Rep. John Larson criticized the administration’s approach.

“What president did we every know in our history who would place taking food out of mouths of children, the elderly and the disabled in a time of need,” he said.

Residents needing food assistance or wanting to donate can call 211 statewide or 311 in Hartford, or visit the city’s website.