Essential Support for Knox County Families Experiencing Food Benefit Disruptions

Knox County families are facing a tough situation. A recent update from Job and Family Services revealed that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding is frozen. This means more than 2,700 households might not receive their monthly benefits in November. As a result, many are at risk of food insecurity.

In response, local nonprofits and churches are stepping up to help those in need. They are providing free hot meals every day and expanding food pantry services. These efforts are essential for families who depend on these resources during challenging times.

Hot meals are available daily, thanks to the kindness of local congregations in Mount Vernon. For a list of meal locations, you can check the Resource Navigator’s Hot Meal Guide, found here: Hot Meal Guide.

For grocery items, Knox County residents have several food pantries to choose from:

• Interchurch Social Services (4 locations based on school districts)
• Salvation Army (206 E Ohio Avenue)
• First Church of the Nazarene (807 Coshocton Road)
• Church on the Rise (7512 Newark Road)
• Center of Hope (hopeinohio.org)
• ACTS/Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry (474 Wooster Road)
• Jacque Cordie’s Children’s Fund (12 W Main St., Centerburg)

Each pantry has specific hours and requirements. For the latest updates on pantry hours and locations, you can check the United Way’s Resource Navigator’s Food Pantry Guide. Follow them on Facebook at @Live United Knox County Ohio for more information.

In addition to regular services, a special pop-up event is happening this Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at Habitat for Humanity (405 W. Chestnut Street, Mount Vernon). Those making 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Level can pick up a box of food. Organizers plan to hold such events as long as the funding remains frozen.

Community support is crucial right now. If you want to help, consider donating to Food For The Hungry. To volunteer, reach out to Walt Lewis at United Way (walt@uwayknox.org) for a list of opportunities.

With various challenges ahead, the United Way is committed to connecting residents with local resources, whether it’s for food, housing, or utilities. For comprehensive support, see their Resource Navigator guide.

As of late 2023, studies show that many families across the U.S. are increasingly relying on food assistance. According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity affects approximately 10.5% of American households. Community efforts like those in Knox County are vital in addressing this growing challenge.

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