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WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Wisconsin’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is set to pause on Saturday, November 1.
Local food pantries say they are experiencing a surge in demand unlike anything they’ve seen before.
Staff members at The Neighbors’ Place and the Salvation Army of Wausau say shelves are being emptied fast as families brace for uncertainty around their FoodShare benefits. “People are already panic buying. They’re scared, there’s high anxiety — our numbers have been going up substantially,” said Donna Ambrose, executive director of The Neighbors’ Place.
Ambrose said the pantry will be able to sustain a record-high level of demand even as more residents turn to the organization for groceries.
Willa Carlson, a team member and coordinator with The Neighbors’ Place, said the workload has rapidly increased throughout the week. “Every day has been getting busier,” Carlson said. “We’ve been full for deliveries and doing more than we normally do.” Carlson added that calls have also increased, with residents asking whether they can receive additional deliveries or visits.
The Neighbors’ Place works with local farmers and has been picking up produce from the Weston Farmers’ Market.
Across town, the Salvation Army of Wausau is also seeing a spike in requests for food assistance. “This time of year is always busy, but this year the need is even greater,” said Maj. David Womack, commanding officer of the Salvation Army. “We need essential items that help people get by — sometimes it’s to supplement their meals, or to help them save money for rent or utilities. The amount of food we have available is far less than a year ago.”
Both organizations are urging community members to donate to local food drives or volunteer at pantries as the state’s SNAP funding pause looms.
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