"As the federal government shutdown stretched into its 22nd day Wednesday, staff and volunteers at a Harlem food pantry said the line outside has swelled to record highs even before federal SNAP benefits are set to expire next month. At the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, a longtime Harlem institution that provides mental health, addiction treatment, and social services, the food pantry has already distributed more than 7,000 food packages by Oct. 21 double last month's total, according to internal figures."
"Fowler said food assistance has always been central to the center's mission of person-centered care. You are not your diagnosis, Fowler said. You are a person who is in need of support. Nobody functions well when they're hungry. Being fed, being hungry that's part of the full dynamic of health. The pantry expanded its operating days from three to four days a week after the shutdown began on Oct. 1, when Congress failed to approve a resolution to fund the government."
The federal government shutdown stretched into its 22nd day as demand for food assistance spiked. The Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center's food pantry distributed more than 7,000 food packages by Oct. 21, double last month's total. The center logged 1,376 new clients in October, the largest single-month increase of the year. Staff expanded pantry operations from three to four days a week after the shutdown began and have distributed food as many as five days when needed. With over 700,000 federal workers furloughed and SNAP benefits set to expire next month, community food donations are strained while demand soars.
Read at www.amny.com
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