Food Insecurity

Efforts to feed people who rely on federal food assistance in Connecticut are underway during interruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). No new benefits will be available starting November 1, as the government shutdown continues.

As the federal government shutdown continues and SNAP benefits are set to lapse, Long Island food banks prepare for a surge in demand heading into the holiday season.

Connecticut and New York are suing to stop the Trump administration from suspending SNAP payments on Nov. 1. They’re joining 20 other states and the District of Columbia.

Connecticut will spend $3 million to partially supplement federal food aid benefits for residents during the government shutdown.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for about 400,000 Connecticut residents are in jeopardy due to federal budget cuts and the federal government shutdown, according to state officials.

Connecticut has increased funding for food pantries in response to higher grocery prices and cuts to federal food assistance programs.

The Trump administration has eliminated funding for SNAP-Ed, a nutrition education program meant to help low-income families in Connecticut eat healthier and prevent obesity.

One of Long Island’s biggest food banks is reporting a record-breaking year for food distributions. WSHU’s Desiree D’Iorio spoke with Island Harvest president and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner about what that means for food-insecure families going forward.

Connecticut has launched a new specialty license plate to celebrate its designation as “Pizza Capital of the United States." Proceeds from its purchase will benefit Connecticut Foodshare, the state’s largest food bank.

Summer can be hard for kids who rely on school meals, but officials in the New Haven area are promoting SUN Meals, a federal program offering free food at libraries, parks and community centers.