UGA student worries about Screven Co. family’s food security as government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits

by Brontë Sorotsky

SCREVEN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Families are bracing for impact, as they prepare to lose out on crucial funding for food from the SNAP program.

One UGA student from Screven County says she’s worried for herself, and her family back home, about where their meals will come from.

The government shutdown has stalled funding that typically continues SNAP benefits every month for 42 million Americans nationwide.

UGA student Braelynn Hartley who’s from Screven County says she’s scared for not just herself, but her family too.

As a college freshman, Hartley should be focusing on midterms, instead she’s worried for herself and her family, about where their next meals will come from.

The SNAP program is one that she says has helped her and her family for years.

“I come from a family where poverty is cyclical. So I have cousins that still rely on SNAP. My sisters still rely on it. And coming from me, like I grew up with it,” said Hartley.

Braelynn is among 42 million Americans nationwide who will be impacted by SNAP running out on November 1st.

She and other classmates say they got the call they would be losing those benefits because she doesn’t work a full time job.

“I’m a part of a program here called Embark, which helps out students in similar situations. And 90% of those students that have SNAP are losing it because they don’t work full-time jobs,” said Hartley.

Braelynn, her classmates, and her family are scrambling to figure out where their meals will come from after the SNAP cutoff.

She says while being on a school meal plan, she’s worried about affording meals once school is out.

“For my cousins and my sisters, thankfully, they’re in school five days of the week and they’ll have two meals guaranteed. But what happens if this isn’t recovered by Christmas time,” asked Hartley.

Braelynn says the program has changed her life. By receiving help to put food on the table, she was able to get to UGA and pursue her degree.

“I’m the first student in my family to go to college. I would not be here without SNAP,” said Hartley.

Food banks across Georgia are preparing for increased demand.