Federal judges ruled on Friday that the Trump Administration must fund benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Despite the ruling, these payments will be delayed. The timing couldn't be worse for Washoe County.
"We're already seeing record numbers of people needing help in our area," said Jocelyn Lantrip with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN). "This is really an awful time."
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCSNN) says 44,000 people in Washoe County rely on snap benefits.
To help address food insecurity, a few local agencies distributed food directly to the community on Saturday. FBNN hosted a drive-thru service behind the Jiffy Lube on Sullivan Lane, while CCSNN invited people to their Moana Lane and Sun Valley Neighborhood Centers and the St. Rose of Lima Church at Bishop Manogue High School.
The American Red Cross also stepped in, but in a way you wouldn't expect.
"We're directing traffic and answering questions and just kind of talking to our community members that have been affected by this," said Kim Eason, a Community Disaster Program Manager with American Red Cross.
One volunteer says events like this one are always critical, especially right now.
"Government assistance is so important," said Amy Nichole Smith, "And if there's any kind of pause, it's very important to have the community come together."
Eason said a lot of the community is worried about feeding their families during the shutdown.
"When I first got here, I had people here at 7:30 in the morning, and they were like, "Where do I go? What can I get?" Eason said, "And they're scared."
Catholic Charities said they're in a wait-and-see situation like the rest of our community. For the time being, they'll give out more food.
"Before we could provide one box of food a month for families," said Annie Allen, CCSNN's Chief Operating Officer. "Now we're actually doing every other week, so individuals can get up to two boxes of food each month."
FBNNÂ said the best way you can help them right now is through cash donations. Catholic Charities is also looking for support.
