by Deb Dubin, Chief Philanthropy Officer
This week, 42 million Americans lost access to vital federal food assistance to feed their families. The Supplemental Food Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a critical safety net that has lapsed during the government shutdown. SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States, providing benefits cards to low-income families to help them purchase groceries. A majority of working-age SNAP recipients are employed, often in low-wage and unstable jobs, and SNAP also supports those who cannot work due to other barriers (including disability and caregiving responsibilities.) While SNAP benefits average only $6 per person per day, they are a lifeline for families, including the elderly and children.
Nonprofit food distribution agencies anticipate a tremendous increase in customer visits. As demand escalates and resources are stretched thin, consider locating a food distribution organization or pantry in your community where you can contribute your time and/or your treasure.
In St. Louis, options include the St. Louis Area Food Bank, Operation Food Search, Food Outreach, and the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, among others. There are many additional faith-aligned organizations and smaller distribution outlets that are truly grassroots in nature. St. Louis Public Radio offers a curated list of pantries and a map here.
If you want to help by donating resources at this critical time for our neighbors, the pantries suggest you check online for organizational priorities before purchasing items. Further engagement opportunities are also available if you have time to help sort and distribute donations.
Moneta is a longtime partner of the St. Louis Area Food Bank, with our colleagues serving in leadership roles and hosting annual on-site collection drives, and our employees have generously responded to these requests for contributions each year.
Reach out if we can provide suggestions for your family’s charitable commitments.
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