Nearly 82,000 people in several counties, including Blair and Bedford, will lose food assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting this weekend. Food banks in the area are preparing for a surge in demand as winter approaches and Thanksgiving nears.
Suzanne Bowser, co-manager of the Bedford Food Pantry, has already noticed an uptick in requests for help. After a recent distribution, she received 30 more signups. Many are worried about losing SNAP benefits, while others are looking for support with Thanksgiving meals. She received 14 phone calls in just five hours one morning, showing how urgent the situation is.
To manage the expected demand, Bowser plans to stock up on essentials, ordering “100 of everything.” If they can’t get specific items, they will find substitutes. The Altoona Food Bank is also seeing increased activity. On a recent day, volunteers packed up goods for around 40 families, a number that does not represent individuals but entire households.
Attendance at the Salvation Army in Johnstown has also risen, with dinner numbers climbing from about 40 to 65 people nightly. Volunteer Kathy Waddell emphasized the importance of their mission to assist everyone.
To better serve the community, the Bedford Food Pantry recently became part of the Center for Community Action, enabling them to receive government funding. This change will allow them to add 60 new families to their 240 existing clients. However, they are still waiting for state funding. In contrast, the Salvation Army has already secured some grant money but faces uncertainty due to potential federal budget issues.
The Reaping Food Bank, supported by the First Baptist Church of Altoona, mainly relies on donations. Pastor Tyler Pepper mentioned that while he hasn’t seen a drastic increase lately, more families have started coming in over the past six months.
Even with challenges, Bowser remains hopeful about providing Thanksgiving meals. “If we don’t run out, we should be able to give people Thanksgiving dinner,” she shared. Similarly, Commanding Officer Don Sanderson of the Salvation Army is committed to meeting community needs through various programs.
It’s clear that local food banks are working hard to support families during tough times. Volunteers find meaning in their efforts. Marian Dietz, a volunteer at Altoona Food Bank, expressed her joy in helping the community. “I love it, the way we can help,” she said. “That’s what makes it so special.”
Food insecurity remains a significant issue across the country. A recent study revealed that nearly 38 million Americans faced hunger in 2021. Experts urge for more support to combat this crisis, especially as federal aid programs fluctuate. The community’s response shows that, even in difficult times, kindness and generosity persist.
