Gwinnett County Takes Action Amid SNAP Uncertainty
In Georgia, uncertainty is growing around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A pause in federal funding could leave about 1.6 million people in Georgia without food assistance. In response, Gwinnett County is stepping up to help its residents.
The county has set aside $250,000 to provide food and hygiene items to families in need. They will buy items like soups, cereals, and household cleaning supplies. These will be distributed through six local ministries in cities like Buford and Duluth. This effort builds on years of partnerships aimed at fighting food insecurity in the county.
“Local governments need to step in when federal safety nets are threatened,” says Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. She highlights that over 90,000 residents in Gwinnett rely on SNAP benefits. “As those benefits pause, we want to do our part to fill that gap.”
Community Services Director, Lindsey Jorstad, echoes this sentiment. “We’ve been collaborating with local food cooperatives for years to reach families effectively. Our goal is to help people with dignity.”
So far this year, Gwinnett has held 42 mobile food distribution events, serving more than 64,000 residents. Since 2020, they’ve organized 323 distributions, providing over 2.8 million pounds of food.
The county isn’t just about food; they also offer other support. Residents can find help with housing, healthcare, and employment. Programs like home safety education and plumbing assistance are also available.
Looking ahead, the county plans to host more mobile food distribution events. The first will be held on November 4 at Lenora Park in Snellville.
As the SNAP situation evolves, local efforts like these provide vital support to ensure no one goes hungry.
For those in need, Gwinnett encourages residents to call Community Navigators at 770-822-8850 or check the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Pantry Map for nearby pantries.
In times of need, local communities show their strength and resilience. Together, they work to ensure everyone has access to the essentials.
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