The Town of West Hartford has some important information for residents receiving SNAP benefits.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford residents who are enrolled in SNAP – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – will not have additional funds added to their accounts as of Nov. 1 if the federal government shutdown continues, and the town has shared some important information and suggestions for impacted families.

According to the town, there are 5,114 West Hartford residents who rely on monthly SNAP benefits to feed their families.

Although SNAP recipients were previously urged to use any remaining balance on their SNAP cards by Oct. 31, West Hartford officials have now learned that while no new funds will be added to accounts, any remaining benefits will remain available. “If you have a balance from previous months, you will still be able to use it after Nov. 1. Carryover benefits already on EBT cards remain accessible,” the town stated in an email on Tuesday.

No new benefits – including the monthly November allocation – will be added to the cards, however, until the federal shutdown ends. To check your existing SNAP balance, call 1-888-328-2666 or use the MyDSS online portal.

According to the town, the Connecticut Department of Social Services is continuing to accept and process SNAP applications, and anyone approved for benefits in October will receive those benefits when the government reopens.

In the meantime, West Hartford families who rely on SNAP benefits are expected to “face significant hardship beginning Nov. 1,” the town stated. “We anticipate increased demand at food pantries and meal programs across the state.”

West Hartford residents can receive assistance through various sources. “The West Hartford Food Pantry is here for anyone in need,” the town advised. More information about using the Food Pantry can be found on the webpage, or by calling 860-561-7572 or 860-561-7580.

Donations of nonperishables for the West Hartford Food Pantry are being collected at the Community Block Party that will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Mobile food pantry sites that provide fresh produce as well as other perishable items are operated by CT Foodshare in West Hartford and throughout the state. Details and a list of locations and times can be found on the website.

The State of Connecticut announced on Monday that an additional $3 million in emergency funding has been allocated to CT Foodshare to assist residents who are losing their SNAP benefits during the shutdown. The state has pledged to work with CT Foodshare and its partners to ensure that no one “falls through the cracks,” and the Department of Social Services will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate the response.

Some residents may also be eligible to receive benefits as well as nutrition education through the Connecticut Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). More information can be found here.

“West Hartford has always been a town that looks out for one another. If you’re able to help, please consider donating to the Food Pantry or a monetary donation to the Town That Cares,” the town said. “Together, we can continue to support one another and keep our community strong.” More information about the Town That Cares Fund can be found here.

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