First District U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford is urging the Senate to act on a spending bill as the government shutdown nears one month and more than 222,000 Arkansans face losing food assistance this weekend.
Crawford told KATV on Wednesday that the stalemate is hurting families who rely on federal programs and putting new strain on food banks.
“This is going to put a lot of pressure on our food banks, and they’re already under strain,” Crawford said. “We should be in session — the House passed a continuing resolution weeks ago, and the Senate needs to act.”
The Arkansas Food Bank said it’s already seeing demand at COVID-level highs and fears the end of SNAP benefits Saturday will make things worse.
Director Claire Tiffin said the food bank’s charitable network can only meet about 20% of the need and has launched a disaster response plan.
Donations can be made online through the Arkansas Food Bank.
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