Local businesses respond to shutdown as governor issues disaster declaration to ensure food security

As millions of Americans grapple with losing their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, the federal government announced on November 3 that recipients will get only partial payments from the SNAP for this month, and it remains unclear when even those reduced benefits would be distributed. The Trump administration said it would not tap additional money to fund full payments in November, the second month of the government shutdown.

In response, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy on November 3, issued a state disaster declaration to deal with the food security issue as a result of inaction on the federal budget in Washington D.C. The Governor will declare a 30 day disaster declaration that ensures food security in two ways for the thousands of Alaskan households that utilize SNAP benefits.

According to the press release, the Dunleavy Administration will work with the federal contractor responsible for loading Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to deposit benefits on a weekly schedule, ensuring that Alaskans will not struggle to put food on the table during the shutdown.

The Alaska Department of Health will also begin discussions with food banks and work with them to ensure the resources are available to assist Alaskans that may otherwise fall between the cracks.

Meanwhile here in the Mat-Su Borough, several restaurants and businesses and organizations are stepping up to help community members not go hungry during the shutdown.

Leading the charge is Triple A’s Soul Food in Wasilla, which is offering SNAP recipients a free lunch until benefits are restored.

Each lunch will include a jackfruit, chicken, ham, or turkey sandwich with chips, fruit/treat, and water. It will also include no judgement or questions. People simply need to show their SNAP cards and matching identification.

Owner Symone Stewart says reaching out to the community is part of her family history, making sure everyone had a meal. “Outreach for us was not the people that we would see within reach. Outreach for us was those you could get outside of the doors…and as an adult, it’s how many people can we affect how many can we impact, how many can we help?” She said even if they lose some profits, it is worth it during this time when many are struggling.

“You can come in and get something good, something wholesome and feel loved…that’s what we’re here for.”

Fronteras Taqueria in Palmer is also providing meals of rice, beans, and a quesadilla for children in need during this time. “Regardless of anyone’s opinion, children still need to be fed and we’re here to help.”

Nearly 11% of the residents in the Mat-Su Borough utilizing SNAP, Frontline Mission says it will continue to serve the community with compassion and care that they have always held, offering hot meals, showers laundry, and food distribution, which is open to everyone. Frontline Mission continues to offer dinner and food distribution on Tuesdays, starting at 6:00 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays, from 13:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. people can come for hot meals, food distribution, kids’ breakfast bags, job search help, and more.

For those personally impacted by the shutdown in any way, the Mission is asking people to fill out a simple form to help them as they face these challenging times.

“We’re gathering information in order to know how we can best be there for the community and address some of the needs.”

To learn more, please visit the Frontline Mission Facebook Page.

With no clear end to the shutdown in sight, Governor Dunleavy continues to meet with Speaker Bryce Edgmon and President Gary Stevens to ensure the process for Legislative concurrence is expedited, writing that that those discussions have been going well and demonstrate that the executive and legislative branches work well when Alaskans are in need.

“I want to thank Speaker Bryce Edgmon and President Gary Stevens for working with me the past few days to craft an approach to deal with this issue,” said Governor Dunleavy.

“I’m grateful and deeply relieved that help will reach Alaskans in need without further delay,” said House Speaker Edgmon. “I want to thank the Governor and Senate President for acting swiftly and working together to make this happen.”

“Alaskans shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll feed their families because of a federal stalemate,” said President Stevens. “I appreciate and support the Governor’s declaration to ensure that Alaskans are not left behind because of inaction in Washington, D.C. Congress must reconcile their differences and act quickly so Alaskans, and all Americans, can continue to have the support and stability to care for their families.”

The disaster declaration will last no longer than 30 days or as soon as the federal government reopens.