EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WJMC) — Local food pantries and a regional food bank are preparing for increased need with the disruption to FoodShare assistance.
FeedMyPeople Food Bank, based in Eau Claire, provides resources to local food shelves in West Central Wisconsin and also gives directly to people in need. Executive Director Padraig Gallagher said demand is rising.
“Our partner pantries and other food programs in the area are not only expecting increases in November, but they are already seeing them,” Gallagher said. “We’re looking at doubling or more. What we are seeing already are 50 percent increases, and the majority of the difficulties haven’t hit yet.”
The food bank has ramped up operations and can handle up to a million pounds of food monthly. But that falls short of what FoodShare provides.
The federally funded FoodShare program will lapse Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues. This means more than 32,000 people in the 9-county region will not receive food stamp assistance.
To find a local food program or food shelf, go online to FMPFoodBank.org.