A Connecticut lawmaker, State Representative Nick Menapace, is warning residents who rely on SNAP benefits to use their remaining funds before the end of October, as the electronic benefit cards are expected to be temporarily deactivated. In a TikTok video, he explained that the change could affect people across the country, leaving millions without access to food assistance for a period of time.
The state rep emphasized that the shutdown would apply even to cards that still have funds on them. “Even if you have money on the card, you will not be able to access it, so it’s important that you use it before the end of the month,” he said. Menapace also advised viewers to find out where their nearest food pantry is, noting that demand for emergency food assistance is expected to rise sharply once the SNAP disruption begins.
“Care and Share is here in East Lyme and Salem,” he said, referencing a local nonprofit organization. “They’re very good, but they’re anticipating a 50 percent increase in the number of people. That is not saying you should not go there. What I am saying is if you are also someone who has the resources to be able to donate to Care and Share, please do.”
Menapace added that his office and other state officials are working to secure additional funds to support food banks. “We’re working here in the state to see if we can get more money to these food pantries,” he said. “We’ve also been trying to see if we can work something out with the federal government, but as of right now, we have not had luck.”
Netizens React to the Connecticut State Rep’s Warning to SNAP Recipients
Many netizens, including SNAP recipients and concerned residents, had anxious reactions to the post, understandably so. One person commented, “I’m so scared. This is so stressful.” A second said, “As a teacher, I can’t get to my local pantry because I can’t afford to take time off, and I know others are in the same boat.” A third wrote, “I’ve honestly been crying myself to sleep stressed over food and feeding my babies praying to God for help.”
Some expressed disbelief that people could lose access to the money they had saved on their benefit cards. “They won’t even be able to use their balances! That’s wild,” one comment read. Another remarked, “Ugh. I was saving it for next month. This is awful.” Someone else added, “That’s insane. People are being forced to use up what they have left on their EBT.”
One person also urged those who can afford groceries to leave food pantry supplies for families in real need. “It’s really important that you do not go to the food pantry if you absolutely have the means to pay at the store,” they advised. “There are people who [can’t] even pay for canned veggies.”
