This week, we asked residents their opinion on the halting of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown, and whether it had impacted them or people they know.

 

“On the SNAP benefit cuts, I feel it’s very unfair because we have a poor community around most of us and we depend on these SNAP benefits. It has directly affected me as well. Although I am employed with two jobs, I receive $23 in SNAP benefits each month, which is a shame. The mere principle of it being cut is unfair. It helps a little bit. I believe things will turn out all right. I think it’s going to be rough for us for a while, but I think everything will get better.”

Wolve Gardiner,

Mt. Hope

“We always have a big line [for food distribution] but normally on Thursdays, our pantry serves between 700 to 800 people, and Saturdays, we have about 600 people, and at different locations during the weekdays, but in the past week, we had over 1,000 people lined up, so we have to cut from different locations to serve it here.

 

Why do I do it? By watching Mother Theresa, seeing what she was doing, giving people hope. I am also from Albania and growing up under a Communist regime, my family was starved for 50 years. My family was persecuted for 50 years, and sometimes, we didn’t have enough food at home, so I raised money for poor families.

 

I don’t come from a rich family. The people of The Bronx need help every day, and we help them regardless of creed, color, or religion. Whoever comes through our door gets our help. We never turn anyone away.”

Aleksander Nilaj,

Morris Park

Founder and president of the American Albanian Open Hand Association

“Regarding SNAP funding, while it doesn’t directly affect me, it certainly has an indirect impact. People I know and care about are being significantly affected. As a New York City Department of Education employee, I understand why donations are needed and allocated for students whose families need SNAP funding.”

Kevin Johnson,

Parkchester

“People are very scared right now. They’re terrified about how they will survive with the shutdown, and the nonprofits are scared too because with funding cuts, they can’t help as many people, and there are more and more people who need help now. This country is becoming a third world country in many ways. Food banks are depleted. My nonprofit has never been so needed as it is right now, and the need for these programs is growing.”

Crystal Wolfe,

Maspeth, Queens

Founder and president of The Solution to Hunger, Inc.

 

“The SNAP payments being withheld is creating panic and causing people to make alternate plans. Our local food pantries did see an increase this past weekend, causing concern that food shortages will affect all pantries for people that visit every week. Food pantries did not see an increase in food being delivered to compensate for those who are now being affected.”

Sam Esposito,

Ozone Park, NY

President of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association