With SNAP benefits reduced by the ongoing government shutdown, local food pantries said hey anticipate the region to have a bigger need for food access.
Van Buren County Food Outreach Founder Kevin Bivins said he expects to see a more significant need, especially in the more rural counties.
“I would say so if people can’t get their food at other places, you know,” Bivins said. “I know quite a few people that’s gonna be affected by that. So I say that our numbers will probably go up.”
UCHRA Overton County Support Member Andrea Szewczyk said the Livingston office has a small food pantry. Szewczyk said she expects the number of people who use the food pantry to double.
“So far, we have seen on average probably five or six new people that have never used the pantry before coming in on a weekly basis,” Szewczyk said.
Bivins said the increased need is putting more pressure on his food pantry and likely other food pantries across the Upper Cumberland. Bivins said he has concerns about not having enough food to feed everyone who is in need.
“Our amount has been less and less like each trip,” Bivins said. “We go up there (Murfreesboro) every Wednesday to get a load, and each time it’s less and less. If the demand goes up, I can only pass out what I have.”
Szewczyk said what most people will lack if the shutdown continues is access to fresh food. Szewczyk said she will have to go buy more food and ask for more donations. Swewczyk said now is the time to consider donating to your local food pantry.
“Anyone who can go shop for an elderly neighbor or a disabled neighbor and maybe can’t get out, this is the time to do it,” Szewczyk said. “If you can afford to help somebody, even if it’s $10 worth of groceries.”
Szewczyk said UCHRA will look to deliver food outside of operating hours to deliver food to those who are unable to get out. Szewczyk said the office would not be delivering food if it were not for the government shutdown. Bivins said he will serve as many people in need, but ultimately wants to see an end to what he called a “nightmare” situation.
“I just hope that this nightmare ends soon,” Bivins said. “And I know there are a lot of people out there that definitely need the nightmare to end soon, you know.”
Bivins and Szewczyk said that though it may be tough on some families who are unable to use their SNAP benefits, they believe their communities will come together to make sure no one goes hungry.
