UPDATE: The Greater Bennington Community Services (GBCS) is sounding the alarm as they face a severe food crisis amid ongoing challenges with the SNAP program. Executive Director Scott Winslow has raised urgent concerns about the impact of recent government actions on food security in the community.
As the holiday season approaches, the repercussions of the historic government shutdown from October 1 to November 12, 2023, continue to resonate. This shutdown, lasting 44 days, was marked by significant disruptions to vital programs, particularly SNAP, which provides crucial assistance to families in need. Unlike previous shutdowns, SNAP payments were delayed and drastically reduced, leaving many in Bennington County scrambling for resources.
“We would run out of food,” Winslow stated, emphasizing the dire situation GBCS could face if SNAP benefits are further interrupted. Currently, 5,584 SNAP recipients in Bennington County, which has a population of 37,367, rely on this support, accounting for 14.9% of the county’s population. Winslow highlighted that GBCS cannot possibly triple services to meet the overwhelming demand should SNAP be further restricted.
The statistics are alarming: GBCS has recorded 10,356 shopping trips in 2024 alone, more than double the 4,323 trips in 2022. This increase highlights an urgent need as community members face rising food prices and inflation. “The cost of groceries has increased about 40% since 2022,” Winslow noted, underscoring the growing strain on households.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, GBCS is preparing to serve an increasing number of families. Winslow reported that recent months have set records for pantry visits: 1,021 shoppers in July, 1,080 in September, and 1,111 in October. “Right now, we’re good,” he said, but he lamented that before recent deliveries, the pantry shelves were nearly empty.
The necessity for SNAP is clear, as Winslow argues it is far more efficient and dignified than relying on food pantries. “SNAP puts pantries like us out of business,” he stated. He urged for increased benefits and broader eligibility, highlighting that the maximum daily benefit amounts to just $8, insufficient for a balanced diet.
The urgency is compounded by the impending expiration of temporary SNAP relief at the end of January 2026. This looming deadline raises fears that the community may once again face the same challenges with food insecurity. Winslow is calling for immediate community support: “I need money, and I need volunteers,” he said, emphasizing the importance of financial contributions over food donations to streamline operations.
GBCS is located at 121 Depot Street in Bennington, where community members can learn more about how to help. Winslow’s message is clear: the situation is critical, and immediate action is necessary to ensure food security for vulnerable families in the area.
For more information, visit gbicsbennington.org and find out how you can contribute to the cause. The time to act is now.
