The Ella Scarborough Center is one of several venues where people can apply for federal food assistance.
The Giant Money Grocery Store has a family-friendly ambiance.
“It’s been a couple of generations for us,” one of the owners, Loc Tran, explained.
There is even a wall containing photos of clients who have died.
“As an owner, I’m very concerned because many of our clients does have government support,” Tran told me.
Tran is concerned about the shutdown, which might have a significant impact on many of his clients.
“I’m very worried because things like that I depend on for my family and if they were to leave, it would leave us out here struggling,” a mom told me. “Can’t afford the things we need for our family.”
The health agency stated that it had sufficient finances to support the WIC program for two weeks. This is the supplement that mostly benefits women and children.
“I hear about the government shutdown on food and all, and I’m like, it’s hard for a lot of people,” Tanhiji Tillman, a shopper, said.
“It irritates me a lot because why can’t you two reach an agreement, you know? “There are many people out here who rely on these sources,” the mother explained.
This includes the storeowner.
“We can only survive for so long with the effect, but hopefully in the next couple of weeks, we’ll see changes,” Tran told me.
The SNAP program has a separate financing source, so it will be at least a few months before it runs out of money. Recipients hope the closure ends before then.
