Alaska food banks still 'inundated' as state works to fix food stamp backlog
Southeast Alaska Food Bank patrons have doubled since last November, as Rep. Alyse Galvin calls food stamp response "a swing and a miss."
Stay updated with breaking news from Alaska Snap Backlog. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Southeast Alaska Food Bank patrons have doubled since last November, as Rep. Alyse Galvin calls food stamp response "a swing and a miss."
Even Alaskans who have now gotten their benefits say that the months they went without left them with debt and fears for the future.
The state has blamed the backlog on aging technology and a cyber attack in May of 2021, but employees say chronic understaffing is the cause. The union has also filed a grievance over the division hiring contract workers to help.
About four dozen families have reached out to the school saying they were affected by the state’s backlog.