Money will begin to trickle in for SNAP recipients, but it could take weeks to receive, and it will be about half of the usual amount. This is not good news for hungry families in West Georgia and East Alabama, where in most counties between 15% and 30% rely on SNAP benefits.
The Trump administration said it anticipates long delays — “anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months” — before benefits arrive.
SNAP is the country’s largest anti-hunger program. Most recipients are seniors, families with kids, and people with disabilities.
Area food banks are struggling to help amid what Feeding the Valley CEO Frank Sheppard calls a “crisis”. Churches and other nonprofits are stepping up to the plate, including St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
Each month the RiverCenter operations team, join members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church to deliver Buddy Packs from Feeding the Valley Food Bank to Brewer Elementary. These packs provide snacks and nutritious meals over the weekend to students at risk of hunger.
The Columbus Botanical Garden is also hosting a canned food drive for Feeding the Valley in an initiative called Nourish November. If you bring canned food donations this month between Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, each person will receive 50% off admission. Additionally, Federal employees and their immediate families are invited to enjoy FREE general admission to the Garden located at 3603 Weems Road. Simply present your Federal ID at the ticket booth.
An evening food distribution for Active-Duty military families, veterans, military retirees and furloughed government employees with an ID is scheduled for Friday, November 14, at Cascade Hills Church, 727 54th Street, in Columbus, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
As a follow-up to our story about teachers and staff receiving no pay at the five DoDEA schools at Fort Benning, Faith Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has responded with a call for donations.
If anyone asks how they can help, we’re collecting donations to support all the schools at Fort Benning. Our goal is to combine what we receive and spread it across the schools to show love and appreciation for the amazing teachers and staff who continue showing up during this uncertain time.
If we’re able, we’d love to provide gift cards, but if not, we’ll make sure they’re supplied with snacks, meals, coffee, and whatever else we can do to lift their spirits.
