Families Face Food Stamp Cutoff Amid Ongoing Shutdown

UPDATE: Families in Buffalo, NY, are bracing for a drastic cutoff of food stamps this Saturday, October 29, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown that has now lasted nearly a month. Maranda Johnson, a local resident, fears she won’t be able to provide food for her family if her SNAP benefits are not disbursed on time.

Organizations like FeedMore WNY are preparing for an influx of individuals seeking assistance. Lavelle Salter, a staff coordinator at FeedMore, oversees the distribution of food to nearly 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, and group homes across Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. The urgency of the situation is palpable as hunger relief agencies ready themselves for the anticipated surge in demand.

At the Second Baptist Church in Lackawanna, which operates a food pantry three days a week, Rev. Mark E. Blue emphasizes the critical role that SNAP benefits play for many families in the community. “Without these benefits, people won’t just struggle; many won’t eat,” he stated, reflecting the dire implications of the shutdown for local families.

The looming cutoff has left many families in a state of anxiety, with food insecurity likely to rise sharply as resources dwindle. “You barely get by as it is,” Johnson lamented, encapsulating the concerns of countless families who rely heavily on government assistance for basic sustenance.

As the Saturday deadline approaches, agencies like FeedMore are mobilizing resources and reaching out to the community to provide support. Boxes of food are being prepared, but the need for federal aid remains critical. “We are ready to help, but we can’t fill the gap left by the loss of SNAP benefits,” Salter warned.

The situation highlights a broader issue affecting thousands across the nation, as those dependent on federal food assistance face uncertainty amid political stalemates. As hunger relief organizations gear up for the challenges ahead, the impact of the food stamp cutoff is expected to be felt deeply in the community.

Next Steps: Community members are encouraged to seek assistance from local food banks and relief agencies. With federal aid in jeopardy, the demand for food assistance is expected to surge, making it crucial for those in need to reach out for help immediately.

As this developing story unfolds, the emotional toll on families remains high, and the community is urged to come together in support of those facing food insecurity. Stay tuned for updates as the situation progresses.