Thousands of Milwaukee families will soon see cuts to extra FoodShare benefits

NOW: Thousands of Milwaukee families will soon see cuts to extra FoodShare benefits
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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Big changes are coming for people who need help affording food. Cuts to federal funding will hurt local families and seniors.

FoodShare members have been getting extra benefits each month because of a federal program during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the federal government recently announced it will be ending that program. Starting March 1st, members will only get their regular FoodShare benefits.

Hunger Task Force says it's been preparing for this for some time. "Low-income families are going to be hurt the most. The average person on FoodShare is going to lose $132. Seniors are probably going to be the most impacted group in our community," said Jonathan Hansen, Development Director for Hunger Task Force.

Many seniors will see their FoodShare benefits go from $281 to just $23 per month. "If you think about how far $23 a month can carry you in the grocery store these days, there's going to be a struggle," said Hansen.

To aid in the upcoming challenge, Kohl's is donating $750,000 to provide meals for local families.

"Kohl's funding is going to support the purchase of 10 full truckloads of food," said Hansen. This donation is a continuation of a 14-year partnership between Hunger Task Force and Kohl's.

"At Kohl's we've worked with Hunger Task Force for a long time. Since 2009 and throughout that time we've given $10 million to support their mission of fighting hunger here in Milwaukee," said Tara Geiter, Director of Community Relations for Kohl’s.

With FoodShare benefits being cut, officials say they want the community to know that they are here to support them.

"We will do everything in our power to make sure our shelves are continuing to be stocked and with a diverse variety of options to choose from. We're not going anywhere," said Bill Schmitt, Executive Director at United Methodist Children's Services of Wisconsin, which is a Hunger Task Force pantry partner.

Feb. 19 will be the last day Foodshare recipients receive that extra COVID payment.

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