Fundraiser helps Feeding America, as additional pandemic-era SNAP benefits expire
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Additional pandemic-era SNAP benefits ended Wednesday for more than 30 million Americans, including those in Wisconsin.
Monthly benefits will be cut by at least $95, and some families will lose more than $250 per month.
The additional benefits began in the early days of the pandemic. CBS News estimates it kept 4.2 million people out of poverty.
Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin is drawing attention to the need and encouraged people to contribute at a fundraiser Wednesday.
Jessecca Miller, of Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin, said, "It connects us all. We all really know what it feels like to have a good meal, and we want everybody to have that feeling."
Eight restaurants served unique dishes at the Hundred Acre hydroponic farm in Milwaukee.
All of them incorporated fresh ingredients that were harvested that very day.
Hundred Acre Farm's owner, Chris Corkery, said, "Some people think of these high-end tasty foods, and then there are nutrient-rich foods. And tasty can't necessarily be healthy. And that's not the case."
Every dollar raised at the event was donated to Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin.
The organization said its resources are needed more than ever as the additional SNAP benefits are going away.
Feeding America's Scott Marshall said, "People were expecting it and relying on it. They're now going to be moving to a place where they didn't need help, to food insecurity. Where they're going to have to rely on the network of food pantries that we provide this food for."
The benefits are expiring even though food costs are 11% higher today compared to a year ago.
Miller said, "We all know prices are still high due to inflation right now. It hits all of us. This could be our own neighbors. And so, we just want everybody to know there are resources."
And that's putting added pressure on community partners to fill the need.
But last year Hundred Acre Farm grew and distributed nearly 20,000 salads to the Milwaukee community, and they're ready for more.
Corkery said, "It's about accessibility, and food as medicine. We are holding true on that mission by partnering with them and getting the food to those most in need."