ATLANTA, Ga. — In Georgia, 13% of residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on their tables. If the federal government remains shut down, over 1.4 million people in the state could lose this crucial support starting in November.
Teresa Martin-Bowers, a volunteer at Ray of Hope Christian Church’s food pantry, sees the growing need firsthand. “Today, we served over 100 cars,” she shared. The pantry provides bags of food intended to last families three to four days.
Concerns about SNAP benefits are rising. Pam Noud, director of FoodCommune, noted, “There’s a lot of chatter about the potential benefits going away.” FoodCommune operates like a thrift store for food. Patrons pay a small fee and can select items they need.
“Last Saturday was chaotic,” Noud said. “By 5 p.m., we had run out of food. Usually, we still have plenty left.” FoodCommune typically doesn’t accept SNAP cards, impacting many households that depend on the assistance.
In 2022, families with children received an average of $541 monthly in SNAP benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. If the government shutdown continues, this vital support could disappear, leaving families scrambling for alternatives.
Noud emphasized how affordable options like FoodCommune are essential for those who struggle to buy food. “Even for people with tight budgets, this is a great option,” she explained.
During this time of uncertainty, community organizations are stepping up to meet increased demand. Many food pantries and organizations are witnessing heightened activity as people prepare for possible changes.
According to recent surveys, food insecurity in the U.S. is on the rise. A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that in 2022, 10.5% of households experienced food insecurity. This number is likely to spike if SNAP benefits are cut.
As the situation unfolds, communities are anxious to see what the future holds. The impact of the potential loss of benefits could lead to challenging situations for many families in Georgia and across the nation.
For more information about food assistance programs, visit Feeding America’s website.
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