Starting Friday millions of families across the country may not have enough food.
Food stamps are being cut because a portion of the benefits ran out.
But the affects the cuts may have, could go deep for families and communities.
Josephine County is already struggling with some of the highest unemployment rates in the state, but now with the lack of food stamp money, the struggle may just be beginning.
Food stamps – officially known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or “SNAP” – serves 47 million Americans. And overnight the program lost 5 billion dollars.
“The effect on the community is going to be more significant than people realize,” said SusanScheufele,Program Manager at the Josephine County Food Bank.
She sees first hand the problem of hunger in our area.
The cuts that kicked in average $36 a month for a family of four and those dollars add up in more ways than one hungry family.
“Josephine County stands to loose between 5 and 6 million dollars in economic revenue.”
Meaning that local grocery stores will lose out on nearly half a million dollars total every month.
“Those food stamp dollars pay salaries in grocery stores,” Scheufele said.
Scheufele says there are 25,186 people enrolled in the SNAP program in Josephine County alone.
While the food bank looks full, it’s anything but.
“Most of these boxes are empty. If you look around the base of the floor you can see what we have to offer, but the bottom line is we are out of donated food. Right now we are on an in and out basis.”
And it’s now more than ever that they are hoping those who can help, will help.
To find out more information on the food bank you can contact them at (541) 479-5556.
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