ONTARIO, N.Y. — Amid the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the Trump administration plans to partially fund the SNAP food aid program this month. However, it was unclear when recipients would receive the funds.

Those living in rural counties are facing steep consequences from the lack of SNAP.

According to a New York State report from July, Ontario and Livingston Counties had about 8% of their populations relying on SNAP.

Wayne and Yates Counties had 9% of their population on SNAP, while Orleans County had 13% of their population on SNAP.

For comparison, Monroe County has about 14% on SNAP.

News10NBC spoke with Carly and Michael Joiner, a couple in the Town of Ontario in Wayne County, who set up a front yard food pantry to help feed their rural neighbors.

“We’ve seen a few people doing it online in different states, so we figured why not do it too?” Carly Joiner said. “So last night, we got in the car, we went out to Target, and we got all the supplies and we set it up this morning,” Joiner said.

The Joiners created a simple folding table with boxes filled with nonperishable foods like rice, beans, and sauces.

With their own eyes, the Joiners saw about five people come by to take food, but many donations were added to the bin.

“It’s been helpful with social media too,” Michael Joiner said. “We have a Facebook post that kind of showed what we’re doing. So people are commenting, asking how they can get involved, how they can donate and kind of help us extend as much as we can.”

The Joiners hoped to inspire others in rural areas to provide these front yard food pantries for their neighbors in need.

“We hope that people will either do it themselves or, you know, come and donate or come get food if they need it,” Carly Joiner said. “And we hope to be able to do it as long as it’s needed. Especially with the colder months coming, we just want to make sure that everyone has what they need.”

Michael Joiner added, “Right now, it kind of started off as a kind gesture and for us to provide as much as we can. But if we really can band together and continue this to go forward, I think that’d be great too.”

For those interested in donating or in need of food, the Joiners’ pantry is located in the Town of Ontario near the intersection of Ridge Road and Furnace Road, right off Route 104.

More information on food resources is available here.

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