While McLennan County organizations prepare for increased demand, families are scrambling for solutions.

WACO, Texas — In Central Texas, local organizations are preparing for a crisis. SNAP benefits expire Nov. 1, and over 14,000 McLennan County residents will lose crucial food assistance.

Caritas, a community support nonprofit, is working overtime to meet the anticipated surge in demand.

“Caritas is making sure that our food pantry stays in stock,” said Susanna Avila, Community Support Specialist. The organization is preparing for both existing clients and walk-ins.

Director of Programs Janie Rogers Ramon says the writing has been on the wall for months. Lines have been growing longer and longer since August.

“It’s like the pandemic, [it]almost reminds me of it, because we have brand new people coming in,” Rogers Ramon said. “We have so many people coming in.”

Caritas does have a reservation system allowing community members to skip increasingly long lines and get in and out quickly, while having one-on-one time with an employee who can offer help.

When capacity becomes an issue, the organization has gotten creative with grab bags—pre-packed food options ensuring no one leaves empty-handed.


A Single Mom’s Struggle

For Mercedes Martinez, a single mother of four children– ages five, three, one and 5 months– the end of SNAP benefits means impossible choices.

“Not having funds for me and my four kids,” Martinez said, about the SNAP pause’s effect.

Martinez has been on SNAP benefits for six years, trying to balance childcare with finding employment.

“As a single mom and just having my kids back to back, it’s hard for me to work,” Martinez explained.

Getting to resources like food pantries presents its own challenge with four young children in tow.

“Just putting them all in one car and actually standing outside of Caritas—that’s my main struggle,” Martinez said.

Now Martinez is scrambling, selling personal items to provide for her family. As Thanksgiving approaches, she’s making heartbreaking decisions– struggling to balance paying bills with keeping everyone fed.

“I prefer to feed my kids first, me last,” Martinez said.

Despite her circumstances, Martinez remains focused on community– wherever it may come from.

For Martinez, help came from an unexpected place—a woman named McKenzie from Ohio who saw her need and sent an Amazon order. It’s the kind of community support she hopes will continue.

“I feel like we need to come together as one and to be able to help each other as a community,” Martinez said.

Caritas is working with Martinez so she can bring her children and use the reservation system to stay out of the cold while getting assistance.


How You Can Help

VolunteersMonetary donationsFood donations

“If you have a need and you are in need of our services, then please come,” Avila said. “We want to be able to serve our community as best as we can”

As Nov. 1 approaches, the organization’s commitment remains steadfast: they’ll accommodate as many people as possible.

If you’re in need of food assistance, you can find resources here.