Trump administration says SNAP will return after court order

The Trump administration faces a court order to restore SNAP benefits using contingency funds, affecting approximately 1. 02 million residents in Idaho and Washington. Cass Davis, a Moscow resident on a fixed income, expressed concern over his financial situation, stating that the loss of SNAP benefits could lead to more debt and health issues. Local food pantries, including the West Side Food Pantry, prepare for increased demand, particularly among families with children and seniors, as they expect more visitors seeking food assistance. Janna Jones, pantry manager, reported that the pantry collected 8,342 pounds of food in response to the SNAP cutoff.

With a significant portion of SNAP recipients being children, the potential for increased users could double the current pantry clientele. Davis emphasized the disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by low-income individuals. Additionally, Jessica Proctor of the Deary Community Food Bank noted that patrons travel long distances for food assistance, especially after a poor hunting season. The community's reliance on food banks underscores the urgent need for restored SNAP benefits.