EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A local food pantry is calling on the community for support this week as pantry shelves are running low due to an increase in demand following the government shutdown, which paused SNAP benefits.
The Child Crisis Center of El Paso is urging residents to donate non-perishable food items, including canned vegetables, fruits, beans, and soup, as well as rice, pasta, cereal, shelf-stable milk, baby formula, peanut butter, canned protein, snack items, hygiene products, baby wipes, and diapers.
In a post on Instagram Tuesday night, the center, which is a local nonprofit organization that aims to eliminate child abuse and neglect, addressed the need for non-perishable food items, stating that its pantry is running low due to recent demand.
“We’ve seen a rise in local need, and our pantry is running low. Drop off donations or give today to help us restock our shelves and support our neighbors in need,” Child Crisis of El Paso said in a post on Instagram.
“Our community needs us — and we need you,” the center added.
Donations for the center can be dropped off at 2100 N. Stevens, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The recent increase in demand for food at local pantries is being seen across food banks in El Paso.
It comes after SNAP, which is the largest food aid program in the United States that provides food assistance to approximately 42 million people, is one of the programs that will run out of funding if the government shutdown continues.
In an effort to address concerns over SNAP, the Workforce Solutions Borderplex in El Paso has issued a reminder to the community of where affected families could get help as the government shutdown continues.
Workforce stated that it continues to offer services helping people find jobs and other career services.
“We understand the tremendous stress this decision places on our community,” said Leila Melendez, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Borderplex. “While we cannot assist with SNAP benefits directly, our team is here to help individuals find stability through employment, training, and access to local support resources. Our mission is to strengthen the workforce and help our region move forward together.”
Workforce encourages people affected to reach out by calling 915-887-2600, visiting www.borderplexjobs.com, or stopping by at a career center.
Workforce also issued a reminder of the food banks available in the area.
El Paso County:
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank – www.elpasoansfightinghunger.org | 915-298-0353
Kelly Center for Hunger Relief – www.kellycenter.org | 915-261-7499
Culberson County (Van Horn area):
West Texas Food Bank – Culberson County Partner Agencies | visit www.wtfoodbank.org for distribution locations.
West Texas Food Bank – Rural Distribution | Residents can access services through regional mobile pantry routes.
Presidio County:
West Texas Food Bank – www.wtfoodbank.org | 432-580-6333
Brewster County:
West Texas Food Bank, 2101 FM 1703, Alpine | www.wtfoodbank.org
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