A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to issue full Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program payments to states by today. The lack of clarity regarding food assistance during the government shutdown is prompting South Dakota communities to be nimble.
The latest order comes after the administration said it would issue partial SNAP payments, when courts initially ruled the administration had to use a contingency fund.
Whether or not there’s uncertainty, Corwin Jones, executive director of the Pierre Area Referral Service, or PARS, said it’s been wonderful to see plenty of donations that help his operation’s food pantry meet the extra demand.
“We still have some people that are used to getting a regular paycheck and still have to do their federal job, but aren’t getting paid to do it,” Jones said, “and they’re asking us if they can come and get help with food.”
PARS estimates 90% of its clients are already on SNAP, with food-shelf offerings rounding out monthly supplies. The office has temporarily lifted its annual limit on how many times a household can request help. The Justice Department told the court states were at fault for failing to get SNAP moving again, but the judge dismissed that argument, saying the administration was “withholding benefits for political reasons.” Federal officials hinted they would appeal.
Earlier this week, Gov. Larry Rhoden said he didn’t support committing state funds to close temporary gaps, noting South Dakota lacked the money.
Meanwhile, Jones said that when they put out a social media alert last week, donations immediately surfaced, including 500 pounds of food in a single day. He acknowledged the potential for this situation to drag out, creating extra worry locally.
“People are more frightened right now,” Jones said, “but we’re trying our best to reassure and to be proactive and be ready.”
Other food shelves across the country reported running out of supplies as the legal fallout continued. More broadly, they had recorded higher demand even before the government shutdown.
For those who are inspired to drop off supplies, operators suggest calling ahead to see what’s needed. They also say monetary donations are good, too, because they give staff more purchasing power when buying in bulk.