With the potential for federally funded food programs to see a lapse in funding by Friday, local food relief organizations are preparing for an increase in demand as locals residents seek assistance.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, those who rely on federally funded programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may see a delay or lapse in benefits for the month of November. According to DHS, more than 240,000 individuals in Arkansas use SNAP and 65,000 receive WIC benefits. Nearly 1 in 10 households in Baxter, Marion, and Fulton counties rely on SNAP benefits to supplement their food needs.
In a press release last Tuesday, DHS advised residents to prepare for the disruption and to “identify local food pantries, churches, and community organizations that can provide temporary food assistance.”
Jeff Quick, who serves as CEO of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas (FBNCA), says the concern for them and their partners is not funding but the demand this situation may place on available resources.
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Stetson Painter, State Representative for District 3 – which encompasses portions of Baxter and Fulton Counties, says he and his colleagues are doing what they can from Little Rock to pressure their counterparts in D.C. to end the shutdown and continue funding these critical programs.
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The Food Bank of NCA distributes approximately 300,000 lbs of food across 9 counties per month. November’s stock is already in place with December already ordered but Quick says those figures are designed for their regular flow of clients and they are already seeing an increase leading into November.
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Representative Painter says conversations with his colleagues and the Governor’s office are ongoing to find funding solutions to assist Arkansans as the effect of the countrywide shutdown begins to have regional consequences.
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As Friday’s deadline looms, Quick remains hopeful in the resilience of the local community to come together and support their neighbors in need.
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The Food Bank of NCA released the following suggestions on Friday to those looking for ways to get involved and support their local food relief organizations.
– Hunters are encouraged to donate venison to the local food pantries and regional food banks.
– Arkansans are encouraged to visit their elderly neighbors and ensure that they have food. They are also encouraging Arkansans who are able to invite their neighbors to share meals.
– Encouraging donors to donate for the first time, or existing donors to consider larger donations to local food pantries and regional food banks.
– Encouraging people to consider volunteering at local food pantries or regional food banks as they anticipate expanded days/hours of operation and additional Mobile Food Pantries.
– Encouraging people to be strong advocates of hunger relief. Be ready to help neighbors connect with their local food pantry or regional food bank, and encourage elected officials to work together to support programs like SNAP and WIC.
The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas is located at 1042 Highland Circle in Mountain Home. More information is available online at www.foodbanknca.org or by phone at (870) 499-7565.
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