‘Neighbors helping neighbors’: Milwaukee community stepping up amid SNAP pause

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - As the government shutdown continues, and SNAP funds remain paused going into November, people in Milwaukee are starting to feel the impacts. 

“Eventually it was gonna happen,” Milwaukee Minister Mattie Shannon said. “We have to learn how to survive.”

Shannon relies on SNAP benefits but plans ahead by freezing some of her food. 

“I always prepare prior to, I always do that because you never know what might happen,” Shannon said. “In this case this situation happened.”

Shannon says she plans on doing what she can to help others as the pause continues. 

“If I have more than enough then I should be able to share with someone else,” Shannon said. “Neighbors helping neighbors you know?”

Cassandra Ortega lives in Milwaukee and has created a homemade food pantry in her front yard. 

“We wanted to support anyone regardless of who they are, what they do, or how much money they make,” Ortega said. “Take what you need, that's what it's here for.”

With the future uncertain, it’s unknown how long help will be needed. 

“I stand in faith and believe whatever happens god is going to take care of me you know,” Shannon said.