Local Families Devastated By Cuts To Food Stamps
WHITEVILLE, Tenn — The national cuts to food stamp benefits are hitting close to home, drastically affecting some local families. Orlena Greer gets a free meal a day at the Whiteville Senior Center; but she said that’s not enough to keep her and the rest of her family fed. She said Congress’ five billion dollar cut to food stamps, starting November 1 will, will hurt her and her family. “We already don’t get enough and when they cut how can we feed our children?” Greer asked. The cuts signal the expiration of more than 45 billion dollars the government put into the program in 2009 to help families during the recession; but families like Greer said they still need the help. “Rent is going up, electricity and food are also increasing,” Greer said. An average of 47 million Americans will be affected by the cuts. A family of four will get about $36 less each month. “They’re taking from people who want to live and take care of their family,” Greer’s live-in daughter, Sharon Burns, said. This marks the first time benefits will be cut for all Americans, regardless of need. So far, Congress has not chosen to renew the stimulus money for food assistance and is even considering more cuts to food stamp benefits.
