Last week, the Hope for the Cities packing crew got together to pack 289 food boxes, adding 20 new families to its weekly distribution as more residents feel the strain of delayed SNAP benefits. Courtesy photo<\/p>\n
As the federal government shutdown drags on \u2014 and with it, uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits \u2014 food pantries across Collin County say they are already seeing a surge of new clients at a time when demand typically spikes ahead of Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n
While the county ranks 50th in the state, there are still roughly 11,600 food stamp recipients, according to the Statistical Atlas website.<\/p>\n
Last week, the USDA said it planned to tap into a contingency fund to issue up to 50% of the usual monthly benefits, but as of press time, payments were still delayed.<\/p>\n
At Wylie Community Christian Care Center, Executive Director Audrey Wallace said the concern is twofold.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, we are very concerned. We are anticipating a large influx,\u201d she said. \u201cNot just for food, but also financial assistance. Although people can come for food to all the pantries, it still doesn\u2019t give them everything they need. With WIC being part of SNAP, they will need diapers and formula also. Times are going to be hard for a lot of families.\u201d<\/p>\n
WCCCC currently needs peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, soups, canned tomatoes, canned meat and breakfast items.<\/p>\n
Also in the Wylie area, the need is rising at Hope for the Cities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have added over 20 families we are delivering to in the past week,\u201d said director Jon Bailey. \u201cThe needs are both for food and financial assistance.\u201d Bailey said the pantry is especially low on protein items such as tuna, canned chicken and soup, as well as mac and cheese, oats and beans.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has definitely been building already with inflation, but it\u2019s part of the perfect storm with the shutdown,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
November is typically known among many pantries as a \u201cfood month,\u201d said Bailey, because many families seek assistance before the holidays. The shutdown has made those seasonal challenges more severe.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, my goodness \u2014 we are already seeing a lot more new clients the past two weeks,\u201d said Karen Ellis, director of Amazing Grace Food Pantry, which serves many communities in eastern Collin County. Ellis said immediate needs<\/p>\n
include frozen meat and turkeys, stuffing mix, gravy, canned soup, cereal, canned meat and shelf-stable milk.<\/p>\n
At 5 Loaves Ministries in Sachse, Executive Director Rebekah Rodgers said they are seeing more families arriving each day, both new clients and returning households who are struggling under the current uncertainty.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve already seen an increase in the number of families visiting 5 Loaves and in new client registrations as people begin to feel the effects,\u201d she said. \u201cAt the same time, we\u2019ve been incredibly encouraged by the outpouring of support from our local community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rodgers said the best way residents can help is by donating to their local food pantry directly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMonetary donations make an even greater impact \u2014 they allow us to purchase food at wholesale costs and stretch every dollar further,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In Farmersville, the need is equally urgent. The city ranks No. 1 in Collin County for food stamp recipients as a percentage of all households, followed by Blue Ridge and then Princeton.<\/p>\n
Farmersville Outreach Alliance, a ministry that provides assistance to Farmersville families twice a month, announced it served 60 families last week, leaving its shelves bare. Leaders are asking for financial assistance or immediate food donations to restock core items at FarmersvilleOutreach.com.<\/p>\n
Samaritan Inn of McKinney recently assumed the food pantry and emergency assistance program previously operated by Community Lifeline Center. The Center\u2019s food pantry will remain at its current location, 1601 N. Waddill St. in McKinney.<\/p>\n
Across North Texas, larger organizations are preparing for the same strain. The North Texas Food Bank offered support on social media for those affected by the government shutdown. \u201cWhether you\u2019re a federal employee, a contractor, or work for a business affected, you don\u2019t have to face this uncertainty alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local pantries say their message is simple: support now will determine whether they can keep up with what is expected to be one of the busiest months in recent years.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we prepare to meet the increased need, we\u2019re grateful for the community\u2019s compassion and partnership,\u201d Rodgers said.<\/p>\n