With the federal government suspending SNAP benefits beginning November 1, 17,000 Lake County residents will be affected, including 6,200 children and 2,510 seniors. To help ensure residents can continue to access food resources during this period, Laketran is providing free rides on all Local Routes until SNAP benefits are reinstated.
“Laketran has always stepped up when our community is in need,” said Laketran Board President Brian Falkowski. “When we learned how many families and seniors would lose access to food assistance, we knew we had to act. Freezing fares on our Local Routes is one way we can make sure transportation isn’t a barrier to get to a food pantry or grocery store.”
Laketran’s Local Routes connects riders to over 30 food pantries and 11 Fresh Food Produce Distributions planned in November, all located along its Local Routes.
A recent customer study showed that 60% of Laketran riders have household incomes of $40,000 or less, and many fall into the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category — residents who work but struggle to cover basic needs.
In addition to free Local Route service, Laketran’s Seniors on the GO program, in partnership with the Lake County Board of Commissioners Senior Services, provides free door-to-door Dial-a-Ride transportation for residents age 60 and older to reach food pantries, grocery stores, senior centers, and other essential services.
Residents who qualify for Seniors on the GO can schedule rides by calling 440-354-6100. Residents can also call Lifeline’s 2-1-1 hotline to locate food pantries along Laketran routes.
“With over 2,500 Lake County seniors relying on SNAP benefits each month,” added Falkowski. “This program ensures that access to food — and the cost of transportation — will not be a barrier to staying healthy and connected in the community.”
Laketran will continue to monitor community needs and adjust service as necessary until federal SNAP benefits are restored.