Navigating SNAP Changes: Essential Resources for Support as Food Banks Brace for Increased Demand – A Guide from Marshall News Messenger

Deborah Taylor stood in line outside Longview Community Ministries with a few others, each facing their own struggles. Some sought help with bills; others needed food.

Taylor relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps more than 18,000 residents in Gregg County buy food each month. But soon, that support will stop due to a government shutdown. “I’ve already used my benefits for October. It’s going to be tough,” she said, preparing to manage with what little she has left.

Leaders of local food banks like the East Texas Food Bank are also feeling the pressure. The shutdown has increased their workload as more families turn to these resources. David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank, noted that 11,000 federal employees in the area are affected, many visiting food banks for the first time.

“SNAP is crucial,” Emerson explained. “For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP offers nine.” The average monthly benefit for SNAP recipients in Gregg County is about $346, a significant cut when people need it most.

The increased demand means food banks have ordered an extra $400,000 worth of supplies to meet the needs of those struggling. Emerson remarked, “The longer this goes on, the more that number will rise.”

Local organizations serve between 80 to 100 people daily, and that number is expected to climb. David Wilcox, director of Longview Community Ministries, emphasized that the loss of SNAP not only affects food budgets but can lead people to choose between groceries and bills.

“People often ask themselves whether to buy food or pay for electricity,” he said. The ministry can help address these needs with a short application process for assistance.

Many East Texas organizations, like the East Texas Food Bank, are ready to provide support. From the Mission Marshall Food Pantry to The Salvation Army, a variety of resources are available for those in need.

Despite the bleak circumstances, community leaders remain committed to helping. Emerson encourages people to reach out to their representatives about the shutdown. Taylor, feeling the weight of uncertainty, expressed resilience. “It’s tough, but I’m going to pull through,” she said, supported by her boyfriend’s optimism.

Her thoughts on the government shutdown were candid: “It’s kind of bull. We’re going to feel everything that they’re doing.”

As this situation unfolds, the conversations around food security and government assistance grow more urgent. Just recently, a survey revealed that nearly 60% of SNAP recipients in Texas worry about their food supply during crises. This highlights the importance of community support and the ongoing need for action.

For more information about local assistance, the East Texas Food Bank has resources available to ensure nobody has to face these challenges alone.



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