Every few days, 50-year-old Alana Boggs visits the Broad Rock Baptist Church pantry for groceries. She’s the primary caretaker for her husband, who suffered a stroke, as well as her daughter and two grandbabies. Alana relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help buy food, but it’s not always enough. So, she often turns to the pantry for extra support.
With the recent news that the Trump Administration might cut SNAP funding amid a government shutdown, Alana’s worries intensified. “I don’t know what we would do without food stamps. That’s how we eat every month,” she said. Linda Brookings, who stood in line beside her, shared similar fears, recalling how families once foraged for food during tough times. “Back in the 70s, we made dandelion stew,” she added. “That’s what it feels like we might have to do soon.”
The need for food assistance is growing. Over 38,000 individuals in Richmond depend on federal funding for food. A recent report revealed that they risk losing up to $7 million in benefits soon. In response, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance program, which will provide weekly payments to those who received SNAP this month. “This has never been done at the state level,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Richmond officials are not just waiting; they’re also stepping up. The city is joining Henrico and Chesterfield to contribute $200,000 to Feed More, a nonprofit that helps distribute food. This organization serves Richmond and surrounding areas, but it is facing a 14% increase in demand. Last fiscal year, Feed More provided 6.9 million meals; this year, that number has already risen to 7.2 million.
However, donations to Feed More are slowing down. Chief Development Officer Aaron McClung pointed out that for every nine meals provided by SNAP, food banks only provide one. This means any cuts in SNAP could leave families in dire need, especially during a federal shutdown. “It’s hard to see how food banks can fill this gap,” he said.
Local pantries are feeling the pressure, too. Alana and Linda are not alone in facing shortages. Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People (CAPUP), which typically serves around 40 people daily, has seen an influx of new visitors, stressing their already tight budget. Michael Rogers, CAPUP’s executive director, noted, “If this continues, we may need to expand services, but our resources are limited.”
As families struggle, their anxiety is palpable. For instance, Taylor Darden recently reapplied for SNAP but hasn’t received confirmation due to the shutdown. “It’s frustrating,” she said, acknowledging how community resources are becoming a lifeline. Other organizations like the Fonticello Food Forest, which help families receive food, report they’re seeing demand rise, with some clients getting as little as $20-$30 from SNAP each month.
Despite the challenges, community spirit shines brighter. Volunteers and residents have stepped up, rallying to support local pantries. Rose Booth, a church deacon, remarked, “We know it’s going to cost more for us, but we’ll do our part to help.”
As the Richmond community navigates these uncertain times, one thing is clear: when faced with hardship, neighbors often come together to support one another. For more statistics and insights on food insecurity, you can check out reports from the [Virginia Department of Social Services](https://www.dss.virginia.gov/) and [Feed More](https://feedmore.org). A united community can weather the storm of uncertainty.
