Lexington shelters brace for surge in need as SNAP benefits pause during government shutdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – As the federal government shutdown continues, Lexington’s homeless shelters and soup kitchens are preparing for a difficult stretch ahead, with SNAP benefits set to expire this Saturday.

Local organizations say the loss of those benefits will hit vulnerable families and individuals especially hard — forcing many to rely more heavily on community services.

Jennie Zamora, Executive Director of the New Life Day Center, says about 90% of the clients they serve are chronically homeless and receive SNAP benefits. With those benefits paused, she says her organization is already bracing for a sharp increase in demand.

“What we are doing to brace for it is to try to cover some of the gap,” Zamora said. “We are providing lunches all week next week and we will continue to do that most likely if the shutdown continues.”

At Lighthouse Ministries, Executive Director Valerie Ingle says they’re preparing to serve as many people as needed, no matter how crowded things get.
“We’re already talking about fixing more food, planning ahead for that,” Ingle said. “If people don’t have food, we’re going to be able to feed you.”

Meanwhile, Catholic Action Center Director and Co-Founder Ginny Ramsey says her team is also gearing up for increased demand — not just this weekend, but through the holidays.
“We’re preparing this week to be ready to serve a lot more starting right now,” Ramsey said.

All three organizations are urging the community to help however they can — through donations, volunteer efforts, or simply spreading awareness — as Lexington faces what could become one of its toughest months for those most in need.