VALLEY – People who receive food stamps may not receive assistance from the federal government in November, which means local food banks are preparing for a spike in demand.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently posted a notice saying that people’s SNAP benefits – also known as food stamps – will not be reloaded on Nov. 1, because of a government shutdown that began at the start of October. Congressional Republicans and Democrats each blame the other party for the shutdown.

In Connecticut, that means about 360,000 people could go without federal food aid if the federal government does not reopen by Nov. 1, according to state statistics. A group of public officials from 25 states, including Connecticut, is also suing the federal government, demanding that it restore funding for SNAP benefits despite the shutdown. 

In Ansonia, Derby, and Seymour, 9,301 people received SNAP benefits in 2024, according to data from the state Department of Social Services. That’s about 19 percent of all residents in the three towns. Local food bank volunteers say they’re already feeling the impacts.

Here’s a town-by-town breakdown of how many people received SNAP benefits last year: 

Ansonia: 4,817 people (19,195 total population)
Derby: 2,762 people (12,915 total population)
Oxford: 481 people (13,264 total population)
Seymour: 1,722 people (17,139 total population)
Shelton: 3,172 people (42,805 total population)

Kristina Walton, director of the Seymour-Oxford Food Bank, told The Valley Indy her organization is bracing for a record number of appointments. She said she’s been adding additional volunteer shifts and buying extra food to meet the new demand, which was rising even before the shutdown.

“It just seemed like September was a record-breaking month at 440 families, and October we’re hitting 500,” she said.

She said her food bank has an extra 50 appointments scheduled next week, compared to what it would normally have.

The state is pitching in with $3 million in emergency funding for Connecticut Foodshare, an organization which helps collect and deliver food to about 650 food pantries throughout the state, according to a press release from Gov. Ned Lamont’s office. 

However, Walton said individual contributions are still needed to meet demand.

“I don’t think we as a community should sit back and be like, ‘Oh, Connecticut Foodshare got this emergency funding, and so we’re all going to be okay,’” Walton said. “Because I still believe that it’s going to take much more than that and a lot more collaboration.”

She said her food bank and others need additional manpower to meet the new demand, as well as donations of money and food. She said people and businesses can also help by organizing donation drives.

“I think wherever people’s hearts are calling them is great, and it’s all going to work together to help,” Walton said.

How To Help

Walton said the best way to give is typically through monetary donations. That’s because food banks are often able to purchase food in bulk, which lowers prices and stretches dollars further.

“As a food bank, when you’re buying in mass quantities and you have great partnerships with your grocery stores, you can make that money go a lot further,” she said.

Food donations are also always accepted.

TEAM, Inc., which partners with eight food pantries throughout the Valley (including Seymour-Oxford Food Bank), said in a Facebook post that the Haynes Group is currently matching monetary donations up to $100,000 for TEAM.

“Therefore, for example, your $25 donation is really $50, and will provide nearly 24 meals – or over one week of food to a neighbor in need,” the post says.

Project MANNA purchases food in bulk and distributes it to Valley food banks. You can read about their work here.

For a list of Valley food pantries and their contact information, scroll to the end of this article. 

State Guidance On SNAP Benefits, And List Of Valley Food Pantries

The state Department of Social Services published a document Oct. 23 with questions and answers about the government shutdown’s effect on SNAP benefits in Connecticut.

According to that document, SNAP participants will be able to use any leftover money from their October balance next month. However, no new money will be issued Nov. 1.

If the shutdown ends before Nov. 1, then benefits will be paid as usual, according to the state. However, if the shutdown ends after Nov. 1, any missed benefits will be paid retroactively once the shutdown ends.

You can still apply for SNAP benefits during the shutdown, though you may not receive any until it ends. All SNAP requirements – such as completing renewal forms – remain in effect during the shutdown.

Here is a list of food banks and pantries throughout the Valley. Reach out to them if you are interested in volunteering, providing donations, or if you need assistance. This list is compiled from TEAM’s website, as well as from a flyer published on state Rep. Kara Rochelle’s Facebook page.

ANSONIA

Christ Episcopal Church Kathleen Samela Memorial Food Pantry
56 South Cliff St.
(203) 734-2715
samelafoodbanks@sbcglobal.net
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Doors close at 12:30 p.m.
Note: By appointment only, with exception of emergencies (maximum of three emergencies per year, per family). Must have photo ID. Out-of-area clients will be referred to neighboring food banks.

Our Daily Bread Little Free Pantry
Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries
195 N. Main St.
(203) 732-5962

St. Francis Food Pantry / Master’s Table Community Meals
Church of the Assumption
61 N. Cliff St.
(203) 735-7857

Salvation Army
26 Lester St.
(203) 736-0707
Tatyana.Fenton@use.salvationarmy.org and Joshua.Fenton@use.salvationarmy.org 
Open Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Note: Proof of income below 150% of federal poverty level needed.

DERBY

St. Vincent De Paul
237 Roosevelt Drive
(203) 734-7577
stvincentshoppe@sbcglobal.net 
Note: Serving residents of Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, and Oxford. Must have proof of income and expenses.

SEYMOUR

Seymour Oxford Food Bank
20 Pine St.
(203) 888-7826
SOFBInc.1@gmail.com
Open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Note: Appointment only.

The Blessing Pantry
Trinity Episcopal Church
91 Church St.

Little Free Pantry
58 Skokorat St.

SHELTON

Spooner House
30 Todd Road
(203) 225-0453 ext. 100
eholcomb@actspooner.org
Open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Note: Must be resident of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, or Shelton and provide proof of income and expenses.

Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Little Free Pantry
182 Coram Ave.