Food pantries in Door and Kewaunee counties are meeting the needs of clients even after tighter eligibility requirements for food stamps. The federal government changed work requirements in December that will prevent certain work-eligible adults without dependents from receiving SNAP assistance. Kewaunee County Food Pantry President Ken Marquardt says their operation is well-stocked and able to meet client's needs right now. Although he believes the eligibility changes could impact some people more than others.
The Kewaunee County Food Pantry also has connections with Feeding America to buy food at reduced prices as needed. “Feed and Clothe My People” of Sturgeon Bay, on the other hand, is community dependent. Pantry volunteer Nancy Skadden says even as situations change, her operation will be there for anyone in need.
The SNAP eligibility changes are expected to impact 700,000 adults nationwide when they go into effect on April 1st.