TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) \u2014 Tallahassee food pantries are expanding their services amid a looming halt in SNAP benefits. But some pantries are facing uncertainty on whether local food donations can meet a potential growth in demand.<\/p>\n
The USDA announced it will not use emergency funds to distribute SNAP or food stamp benefits on Nov. 1st as the government shutdown continues. According to Resources Director Kiamani Smith, the pantry is fully stocked, estimated to last only 2-3 months unless demand says otherwise, as they expand services.Watch the video below to hear how an increased demand could impact how local pantries can help. <\/p>\n
Tallahassee food pantries expand access amid anticipated SNAP halt, hope donations meet potential demand<\/p>\n
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:<\/p>\n
As the halt of SNAP benefits loom, some food pantries<\/a> are weighing potential impacts it could have to its stock.<\/p>\n ECHO<\/a>, a local non-profit that operates a food pantry, solely depends on donations.<\/p>\n They currently serve about 80-100 people a month.<\/p>\n But they\u2019re unsure whether it can withstand a possible increase in demand without an increase in donations from the community.<\/p>\n \u201cI do believe that we will see that impact. It happened in 2020 during COVID, where people had to help out other individuals,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n Resources Director Kiamani Smith showed me the pantries current stock.<\/p>\n She says they\u2019re opening the pantry for unlimited visits for its clients and allowing repeated visits for non-clients, too, after first meeting with a case manager.<\/p>\n \u201cRight now, we’re fully stocked. This will last us up into, I\u2019d say, two to three months. But with the given circumstances, I\u2019m not sure how that will flow,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n As the government shutdown continues, the USDA<\/a> announced it will not use contingency funds to send out SNAP benefits Nov. 1st, putting millions of recipients at risk of losing benefits as soon as this week.<\/p>\n Nearly 3 million Floridians<\/a> rely on SNAP benefits.<\/p>\n On top of that, food prices have risen about 3.1% increase over the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.<\/p>\n Another factor Smith believes may impact donations.<\/p>\n \u201cWe get a lot of donations through churches; they help their members first, and then they will give us the overflow, so naturally, there was a decrease in how many items that we got,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n Some pantries have called for donations before the shutdown, like the Safe Families for Children\u2019s food pantry.<\/p>\n Back in July<\/a>, ABC 27 told you they needed more donations from the community.<\/p>\n We checked back in with Church Engagement Coordinator Jon Nicholson, who tells us they\u2019ve gotten the help since.<\/p>\n But says they haven\u2019t seen any dramatic changes in supply or demand for food since the shutdown began, and are committed to being ready to meet any needs that arise.<\/p>\n Read the full statement below:\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe Safe Families\u2019 food pantry hasn\u2019t seen any dramatic changes in supply of or demand for food since the government shutdown began, but we\u2019re committed to readiness in all circumstances whether our community\u2019s needs increase or remain the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Jon Nicholson, Church Engagement Coordinator <\/p>\n Right now, Smith says they\u2019re monitoring impacts but says they\u2019re focused on serving the need.<\/p>\n \u201cECHO will continue to move just like we’ve been moving,\u201d she said. \u201cWe will see an increase, but we’re ready to meet the needs of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n The pantry is still encouraging people to donate non-perishable items and encourages anyone in need of food to visit. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n