'It's a lot': As many relying on SNAP benefits look for solutions, some people are stepping in to help

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With SNAP benefits set to halt Nov. 1, some Milwaukee Area Technical College students like Raydehl Boutin are worried about how they will get their next meal.

"It's a lot, to be honest, but I’m figuring it out," said Boutin.

"Being a college athlete, having a job, also trying to pay rent, that would’ve helped me a lot with saving some of my funds," said Boutin. "Since it’s shut down, I have to work a lot more and save up a lot more.”

Boutin just started college this fall and says he was relieved when his application for SNAP benefits got approved. But now, because of the government shutdown, he and several of his teammates are looking for other solutions.

"It's hard to see us going through it, but all of us are on the same page, so we trying to help each other out," said Boutin. "If we had it, it would be one less thing you have to worry about."

Other students are worried about providing not just for themselves, but their kids.

"Because at the end of the day, I’m not going to let them starve, you know," said one MATC student. "As a mother, I’m not, so it just makes me stressed out for him as well.”

That’s why Milwaukee resident Meag Sargent is doing what she can to help those in need.

"This is a crazy time of year to lose your benefits. I mean, the holiday season is coming up," said Sargent.

Sargent posted on Facebook offering to be a grocery buddy and pay for someone's groceries who is losing their benefits.

"It just breaks my heart," said Sargent. "There were a lot of messages I got from single moms and single parents who were saying, I don’t even need food for myself, I just want to make sure my kids and my babies are taken care of. And that just broke my heart."

Now, after hundreds of shares and around 50 people reaching out for help, she's created a form to try and connect those who will volunteer to be a grocery buddy with those who need assistance.

"Especially right now, I think a lot of families are going to be hurting."

You can volunteer to be a grocery buddy here or if you need assistance, fill out this form.

If you are an MATC student, there are additional resources available through the FAST Fund.