A year after cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), food banks are still reeling from additional need for food assistance.
In New York City, 40 percent of SNAP recipients rely also on food bank support. After across-the-board cuts last November, that demand has risen.
The Food Bank for New York City estimated 76 percent of its food pantries and soup kitchens saw an increase in demand.
Food banks are facing shortages, reduced portions and turning people away. The demand only increases with the holidays.
New York City faces slightly more demand than the national average, but the problem isn't contained to major cities.
Rural communities like Teton County, Montana are seeing an increase in food assistance as low wages, fixed incomes and SNAP cuts combine to cause food to not stretch as far as it did a year ago.
Food banks are anxious as the Farm Bill could mean additional cuts to the SNAP program.