Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels is facing rising demand in the face of federal funding cuts that are now targeting SNAP benefits.
As the county grapples with reduced services and benefits like SNAP, food programs, like Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, are already experiencing an increase in referrals and requests for support.
The organization’s president, Barbara Niess-May, says this year alone, there’s been a 10-15% increase in people looking for help putting food on the table.
“A large percent of those that we serve receive the SNAP benefit and very much need them. We also have some that we expected in the next year to qualify, and they won't have the opportunity to apply for them.”
Niess-May says changes to Medicaid and Social Security are compounding the situation. Many clients have reported confusion over sudden garnishment of the latter to pay for their health insurance.
“I think people ignore the fact that poverty is actually very expensive. Like, if you don't have a car to drive to like a preferred grocery store, then you are reliant on where you can get food, wherever you can get it. And that can sometimes be convenience stores, and if that’s where you’re shopping it’s often more expensive.”
She adds that many of their clients are medically homebound and need food to take medication. The organization is in active dialogue about how to continue its mission to provide basic nutrition to people in need.
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