Families across North Texas are lining up at food pantries as SNAP benefits remain uncertain. Catholic Charities Dallas is expecting demand to surge this month.<\/p>\n
LANCASTER, Texas \u2014 As uncertainty continues around this month\u2019s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, families across North Texas are turning to food pantries at higher rates than before.<\/p>\n
Ronny Brown was among those waiting in line on Wednesday at the Catholic Charities Dallas Jan Pruitt Community Pantry<\/a> in Lancaster. Brown, who lives in Oak Cliff, said he drove across southern Dallas County hoping to bring home enough food for his family of six.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope I get enough for everybody,\u201d Brown said. \u201cI’m doing it for my whole family.”<\/p>\n Brown is one of roughly 42 million people nationwide who rely on SNAP. With questions surrounding whether funds will be released this month, he said he has been checking for updates daily. As of Wednesday, he hadn\u2019t seen anything.<\/p>\n Outside, lines continued to grow. Many waiting shared similar concerns about how they would feed their families if benefits are delayed.<\/p>\n Luis Portillo, a driver with the North Texas Food Bank, pulled up to the pantry with pallets of food and drinks. He said demand has noticeably increased on his routes.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re really counting on us to bring this food to the pantries,\u201d Portillo said. \u201cIt\u2019s always a good thing knowing that we\u2019re out here helping the community.\u201d<\/p>\n Catholic Charities Dallas reports the need at its food sites has risen throughout the year. The organization saw a 25% increase in clients each quarter compared to last year, with the number climbing to 35% in October. Staff members expect that number to rise to between 50% and 60% in November if SNAP benefits remain on hold.<\/p>\n In one day, Catholic Charities Dallas served 331 people, including 181 at the Jan Pruitt Community Pantry and 150 at Joe’s Pantry<\/a>.<\/p>\n As long as there is a need, they will continue to serve. For families like Brown\u2019s, that support is essential.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s a blessing,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n Catholic Charities Dallas is seeking volunteers to help with food distribution. Monetary donations can also be made. For more information, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n