Rural Georgia Faces Crisis: SNAP Cuts Could Leave Children Hungry and Food Banks Overwhelmed

Amanda Jones has her hands full managing her grocery budget. Living on a fixed Social Security income means every dollar counts. At 62, she relies on SNAP, receiving just $23 a month for food assistance. To stretch her budget, she turns to Hancock Helping Hands, a local food pantry.

But Amanda doesn’t stop there. With a spirit of generosity, she collects food boxes and delivers them to 30 families in Hancock County, one of Georgia’s poorest areas. “I couldn’t take help without sharing it,” she explains.

Hancock County faces serious challenges. It has the highest rate of child food insecurity in the U.S., according to Feeding America. Nearby, Golden Harvest Food Bank is working to change that. “No child should go to bed hungry,” says Abby Muehlfeld, the bank’s marketing vice president. In their region, one in four children is food insecure. In Hancock County, that number doubles.

Volunteers, including many teenagers, are stepping up. They pack boxes of food in an assembly line, aiming to feed communities in need. Noah Knight, a high school student, enjoys contributing. “It feels great to help others,” he says.

However, times are tough. Recent cuts to SNAP benefits may increase demand for food banks. A CBS News analysis predicts billions will be cut from SNAP over the next decade. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture also reduced funding for programs that help schools and food banks purchase food from local sources.

“We’ll lean on donations and community support to fill the gap,” Muehlfeld explains. They aim to ensure no one goes hungry.

For Amanda, her mission is clear and simple. “It’s about the essentials—milk, eggs, bread. And if we’re lucky, some cupcakes,” she smiles, emphasizing the small joys that make a difference in tough times.

Food insecurity is a growing concern, especially in regions like Hancock County. In fact, a recent survey showed 37% of families in similar areas struggle to access enough food. Combined with rising costs of living, the demand for food assistance is only expected to grow.

Each act of kindness, like Amanda’s, contributes to a larger effort to support those in need. Community foundations and local organizations are crucial in this fight against hunger.

As Amanda continues her work, it’s a reminder that small acts can create ripples of change in the community.

For more insights on food insecurity and assistance resources, you can visit Feeding America.



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Georgia, Food Banks, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program