Millions of low-income families across the United States are grappling with increased food insecurity following the federal government's suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, on November 1. In New York State alone, nearly three million people face the threat of food shortages. Since the policy took effect, food pantry demand has surged across New York City, with Tzu Chi's food distribution point in Flushing, a predominantly Chinese community, witnessing unprecedented queues on November 3.
Rising anxiety over food access
Even before the policy officially began, on the morning of October 31, the day before the suspension, the parking lot behind the Tzu Chi New York branch office was already filled with residents waiting to receive supplies. Some pushed shopping carts, others carried reusable bags, and many elderly individuals and new immigrant families patiently waited in the cold wind, hoping to ease their financial burdens. This scene of weekly fruit and vegetable distribution has been a regular occurrence at Tzu Chi's New York branch for seven years.
San-San Chiang (蔣珊珊), head of Tzu Chi USA's New York branch charity development group, noted the palpable anxiety among residents who had received notices about the impending food stamp suspension. "Many people heard that food stamps would be suspended and rushed to queue, fearing their families would truly run out of food," she said, observing a significant increase in registered individuals seeking assistance.
"We hope more people can extend a helping hand so that these families, who genuinely need assistance, can continue to have food," Chiang urged with concern.
LEFT: Residents queue outside the Tzu Chi New York branch to receive supplies. RIGHT: Residents wait in line to receive supplies outside the Tzu Chi New York branch. | Photos: Pin-Hau Chiou
Meeting increased demand
Trucks from a fruit and vegetable wholesale company delivered boxes of fresh produce, which Tzu Chi volunteers then meticulously sorted and bagged. In response to the federal government's suspension of food assistance, the Tzu Chi New York branch immediately implemented an aid plan.
Keren Jiang (姜芳曉), deputy head of the branch's charity group, stated,
With the surge in demand, Tzu Chi's pantry is also under pressure. Currently, we serve approximately 300 to 350 households weekly, but the number of registered beneficiaries has exceeded 1,000. Due to limited slots, many families have to wait three weeks before they can receive supplies again.
Facing this sudden increase in need, Tzu Chi quickly adjusted its resources, deciding to add 20 temporary slots each week, prioritizing the most urgent cases to ensure more people feel warmth during the cold winter months.
Chiang added that personnel from the New York State Emergency Food Agency also visited on October 31 to assess the community's actual situation after the policy change.
LEFT: Care recipients queue while volunteers maintain order. RIGHT: The New York weather in November is already cold, but Tzu Chi volunteers are up early to sort and pack vegetables. | Photos: Pin-Hau Chiou
Nourishment for body and soul
The fruit and vegetable distribution event at Tzu Chi's Flushing office has been ongoing for over seven years. As the office lacks storage facilities for food, volunteers must quickly pack fresh produce and dry goods every Friday morning upon delivery to ensure freshness for the day's distribution. Outside, residents arrive early to form long queues, sharing updates and offering warm greetings to one another.
LEFT: The parking lot of the New York branch is transformed into a weekly food distribution site. RIGHT: Staff assists care recipients in placing their received food into their pull carts. | Photos: Pin-Hau Chiou
In the face of life's challenges, Tzu Chi volunteers address the community's anxiety and unease through their actions. In a reality where resources are limited, love and care become the most precious spiritual sustenance.
Written by Pin-Hau Chiou (邱品豪)
