With the recent events concerning the longest federal government shutdown, it impacted businesses, public schools, and air travel. SNAP (The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) was directly affected by the shutdown, as its funding from the government was been temporarily impacted. As of Nov. 12 benefits have slowly been released to communities. Executive Director of the Columbus Love Chapel, Kelly Daughtery, addresses what SNAP is and how the food pantry is preparing for the influx of people due to the delay of benefits.
“SNAP is the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, commonly referred to as Food Stamps,” Daughtery said. “The onslaught has already started – we have ordered extra food, have been vigorously fundraising to meet the demand, and have also added additional items to the allotment given to each family when they come in.”
Daughtery continues to go on and specify what challenges they’re expected to face as they experience some setbacks.
“Volume and need – we see around 1,500 families every month – this month, that number likely will reach towards 2,000 families,” Daughtery said. “We will need an extra 40,000 pounds of food, which equates to around $80,000 of food to purchase. Remember – that is to just get through November.”
Bull Dog Pantry Coordinator, Tonya Cruser, speaks on what they’re doing to coordinate with other local community organizations to achieve the goal of keeping up with the shutdown.
“We are a chapter of Gleaners, as are the East food pantry and Love Chapel. I think we are all in the same position of trying to get as many donations as possible to meet the needs of all our families,” Cruser said. “Gleaners has given us an additional stipend for this month to help us have more food available.”
Mrs. Cruser explains further how organizations are planning to take on challenges that come with the recent shutdown.
“We’ve already had a great deal of families reaching out in regards to losing their SNAP benefits,” Cruser said. “We are hoping to be able to still meet the needs of every family that visits the pantry.
The coordinator of the Students Assembly’s can drive, Leo Iorio, talks about what barriers there have been since the temporary absence of SNAP and what local agencies or donors can do to help.
“We are prepared for much more need in our community this season. We have reached out to community organizations as a way to increase our capacity to help those in need,” Iorio said. “Local agencies such as Love Chapel and Salvation Army are doing a tremendous job aiding those who typically receive SNAP benefits. Both of these organizations have reported an increased number of people in need this year and have asked for any possible assistance.”
