Neighbors are helping fellow community members nationwide, signing up to be a grocery buddy and paying for food as SNAP recipients and others have lost their benefits during the government shutdown.
People are connecting through social media posts or grassroots efforts within communities to provide food assistance, and a brother-sister pair also launched a website that can link up people nationally.
Many of those participating also say they will continue to do so after partial or full SNAP benefits resume. The Trump administration has said SNAP benefits will be partially paid in November.
Last week, Kelsey Strouse, 34, saw a post on a buy nothing social media group chat about grocery buddies.
"I thought 'someone should organize something to connect these people,' and well, I'm on maternity leave and have a little flexibility. I guess I'll try," said the Princeton, New Jersey teacher.
