FAIRMONT – With SNAP benefits suspended for November, food banks in Fairmont are gearing up for increased demand. Governor Tim Walz has released $4 million to help local food shelves prepare for this challenge.
Nicole Worlds, the Income Maintenance Manager for Health and Human Services in Faribault and Martin Counties, shared that this SNAP pause will impact many families. “We currently have 685 cases in Faribault County, which includes 1,352 people, 479 of whom are children. In Martin County, there are 936 cases, totaling 1,863 people, with 676 being children,” she said. This means about $269,000 in monthly benefits will be lost across both counties.
Many people rely on SNAP to help bridge financial gaps. “Food support is essential for working families who struggle to make ends meet,” Worlds noted, highlighting that most recipients have jobs but still face difficulties covering all their expenses.
Greta Lintelman, Chair of Heaven’s Table, noted that they expect to receive a check of around $5,000 to assist with rising needs. Although families using their food shelf have increased recently, the surge has not yet peaked. “Notifications about the SNAP suspension just went out last week, so we anticipate continued growth in demand,” she explained.
Heaven’s Table will maintain its regular hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and has made efforts to stock up in anticipation of demand. Lintelman mentioned an uptick in volunteer interest, with families and local churches eager to help.
The Salvation Army’s Food Shelf, according to its Southwest Minnesota Service Area Manager Krystal Stover, has about 80 to 90 percent of its users relying on SNAP as well. They have also started asking local churches for food donations to prepare for the expected increase in need.
As part of their holiday efforts, the Salvation Army will focus on fundraising through their kettle campaign, which supports their food shelf and community outreach programs. They are actively seeking volunteers to help during this busy season.
The St. John Vianney Hope Shop operates independently and provides food and clothing support to families. Though they won’t directly receive state funds, they remain robust in their volunteer efforts. Recently, they’ve served 17 families in one session and 21 in another, indicating a steady need for their services.
Amid these challenges, the collaboration between food banks and community members has shown a strong spirit of support. Notably, a recent study from Feeding America found that 1 in 8 Americans experienced food insecurity in 2021, a statistic that remains relevant today as many face lingering economic pressures.
Community members looking to volunteer or contribute can reach Heaven’s Table at (507) 238-5424 or the Salvation Army at (507) 238-9797. Together, these services aim to support families navigating uncertain times.
For more information on food assistance programs and community resources, you can visit [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org).
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Local News,Area food shelves brace for SNAP stoppage, state money
