SNAP benefit disruption causes food shortages

“The postponing of releasing SNAP funds has affected so many,” said Helping Makes U Happy co-founder Cassy Caputo, Keith’s mother.

According to Keith Caputo, he has had several people they don’t know messaging him and just saying: “I need food.”

“It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “We tell them Helping Makes U Happy is not a food pantry.  We don’t receive donations from organizations like LI Cares as other nonprofits might. We rely on our generous communities, and we help through referrals from school social workers or counseling agencies.”

However, the best they can do is offer lists of food pantries, days and times in their area.

“We don’t have staff to keep up with that sort of demand, either—it would just be me and Keith,” Cassy said.

The last time the government shut down, they gave out food but found it difficult to vet people.

“There are several food pantries Helping Makes U Happy often donates food to and we can see their parking lots completely filled now, the lines getting longer and longer, and the people who operate them tell us how many empty freezers they have,” she added.

Instead, they made a decision a few weeks ago to give those pantries generous financial donations.

“Thank goodness we just had our annual mega auction a few weeks ago and it was very successful—and that’s what we’ve been doing—going pantry to pantry and dropping off checks in the hopes that they don’t have to send people away empty-handed,” she added.

Also, now on top of the SNAP benefit issue, HEAP, home heating oil funding, is also being postponed.  

As the weather is getting colder, Cassy said that they have started talking with a bigger nonprofit about purchasing some safe space heaters, which they can distribute to the elderly and families with children.

And, in the midst of all this, HMUH is still getting lists from the schools and will be starting distributing holiday food and gifts to families. They have also helped collect Thanksgiving sides for sheriff Errol Toulon’s giveaway, as they do every year.

“If people want to help, we will still gladly accept food donations—especially cereal, shelf-stable milk, and can openers for cans which must be opened,” she added. “Those go a long way and kids can feed themselves if their parents are at work. Various groups, students, and schools have also been collecting for us, and we are so grateful!”

Despite the government ending its shutdown, programs like SNAP (food stamp) benefits were being cut back. The uncertainty has caused an increase in need at local pantries.

Presbyterian Church of the Moriches food pantry coordinator and ruling elder Dawn Murray said they have been serving more and more families since the loss of SNAP benefits. Last month, they registered 25 new families.

“We are struggling to keep up with the demand for food, and there are fewer items available from our food banks,” she said. “We need food, monetary donations and volunteers.”

Debbie Loesch, founder of Angels of Long Island, said the nonprofit has already seen a “surge” in people looking for food and scared by what could continue to happen if benefits continue to be affected by the shutdown.

“A lot of people who come here are typically seniors, veterans, and working families that get SNAP benefits that don’t make it to the end of the month,” she said of who they typically served, even prior to the shutdown.

Last Saturday, she said, the truck came with food and usually they serve about 30 to 40 families, but this time they had over 100 families lining up.

“That’s more than double. I thank God for the many Long Islanders that are stepping up to help,” she said, noting the government expects nonprofits to fill in the gap, despite their lack of funding. “I don’t know how were going to meet the need. At the end of the day, it’s going to be less food per person. I feel bad, and the holidays are right around the corner.

She said he is also concerned that HEAP, the heating oil assistance program, will be affected.

“Not only will they be hungry, but now they will be cold, too,” she said. “This is the worst game of political chicken I have ever seen.”

The Angels are currently seeking both food and monetary donations that can be dropped off at the East Patchogue location during regular business hours. Money donations can be made online at https://www.angelsoflongisland.com/.

Also, the Angels will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving Day event in their parking lot with heated tents from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be fresh cooking on site and fried turkeys. Everyone in the community is invited to sit and enjoy a meal or bring one home. Last year, they fed about 600.

The Lighthouse Mission in Bellport, which also services the Moriches area, has also continued as a 100 percent community-supported nonprofit that feeds 10,000-plus people every month.

“When families lose benefits, Lighthouse Mission is ready to feed the hungry, providing clothing, and share the hope of Jesus to those in need across Long Island,” said pastor Jim Ryan. “Everyone leaves with food in their hands and hope in their hearts.”

Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lighthouse Mission, 1543 Montauk Highway, Bellport, NY 11713.