Families across Wisconsin are bracing for a potential pause in FoodShare benefits starting in November as the government shutdown continues.
"I have no issue with going to food pantries to get help, so that's what I've already started to do," Kianna Reed told TMJ4.
"Trying to make smaller portions," said Amber Silvers.
Silvers and Reed are mothers trying to carefully balance extremely tight budgets while feeding their families. Both are worried about the delay in FoodShare funding now that November is less than a week away.
"I need them (lawmakers) to get it together. It is real people out here in this world who need these benefits. This is not a game," Reed stressed.
Both Reed and Silvers work and each has two children.
Silvers' youngest child is 3-year-old Meena.
"Definitely a struggle for sure, considering I am a single mom. It's not like I have my significant other to help me out," Silvers explained.
Watch: Families brace for pause in FoodShare funding
Racine County Human Services and the United Way of Racine County are among those working proactively on a community response.
"We have around 29,000 individuals who are on FoodShare in our community. So, if this were to be a pause, we need to figure out a way that we are helping to bring food into our underserved," said Hope Otto, director of Health and Human Services for Racine County.
Their focus is on ensuring that existing resources, such as food banks and pantries, are being utilized effectively, building capacity to meet demand, and reaching people where they are.
Coordinators are balancing the timing of their response. They do not want to respond too quickly in case the need does not pan out to be a major emergency, but they want to be prepared. Otto says they are working with local businesses to hold food drives.
"It is virtually impossible for the county and United Way to help fill the gap," said Ali Haigh, president and CEO of the United Way of Racine County. "Financial investments are very much needed, but also give of your time."
Late last week, the federal government announced that individual who use FoodShare may use any benefits currently on their QUEST card in November. They will not be removed.
"If your family and friends you know they're struggling, help. Everyone needs help," Reed said.
The United Way of Racine County has a website with resources for people who need assistance or want to help.
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