HUNTERTOWN — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were expected to end Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. However, a federal judge Oct. 31 ordered the Trump administration to continue funding SNAP, also known as food stamps, while a second judge ruled that the administration’s plan to not disperse funds was “unlawful,” according to The Center Square.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one in eight Americans currently use SNAP benefits. While the number of SNAP recipients varies by state, 12.3% of the population is receiving food assistance.

Additionally, according to USDA, in fiscal year 2024, the average monthly benefit per person was about $187.20.

Because receiving SNAP assistance is in limbo right now, many people are stepping up to offer help.

A recent Huntertown community Facebook page posted a simple shout out to the online community of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. They were looking for ways to lessen the impact of this latest food crisis. Dozens of replies offering to help in some of the most creative ways were posted almost immediately.

For example, besides a call to rally support the original poster suggested they could buy or bake bread. They then proposed that others could buy the peanut butter and jelly to go with it.

Another person thought making “a huge pot of something,” and then sharing it in a labeled container would be helpful. Then the recipient could freeze the food for later or perhaps enjoy some of it immediately.

Another person suggested dropping off non-perishable food at the Northwest Fire District, 15412 Lima Road.

Lifehouse Church, 16021 Lima Road, also accepts donations of non-perishable food. Still another suggested “grocery buddies” where two or three people band together to help a person losing their SNAP benefits.

A wide array of aid is available in Huntertown for people ho need a little support through this latest government shutdown.

From one person ready to “clean out their pantry” in search of food to share; to people who offered to donate or deliver food, Huntertown residents are ready to help feed others.