The government shutdown is rapidly approaching its one-month anniversary and a dire consequence is coming with it: the loss of SNAP benefits. SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps Americans across the country get food. Without it, 42 million people are at risk of being food-less starting November 1, especially when it comes to kids, veterans, and those with disabilities. If you are able, here are ways to help out your community and combat food insecurity come November and the loss of SNAP benefits.
Donate food resources or your time
The loss of SNAP is going to send way more people to food pantries and donation organization than normal, so donating extra non-perishables (canned foods, pasta, rice) you have sitting around your house — or, if you can, buying some specifically to donate — will help charities have more stock on hand to help those in need. Food pantries, community organizations, and religious institutions have food drives, so look locally for the best place to help. Pure monetary donations are also helpful.
This doesn’t have to be a solo mission: encourage your friends, your family members, your coworkers, and anyone else you can think of to donate as well. There is no such thing as too many donations, especially now.
If you don’t have spare funds or food to give away, you can still donate by giving your time by volunteering. Check out local soup kitchens or food pantries or charities that are looking for your help and spend your spare time serving your community.
Organize your own events
You don’t just have to help organizations in your community — you can organize your own events too. Try organizing a community potluck event where anyone can contribute dishes and anyone can come, allowing more people to help out and people who are in need to grab meals and be surrounded by community.
A user on TikTok, @bakeswithrach, suggested that if you live in an apartment building and have a community post board, offer your help with leftovers or goods. If you’re a business owner, organize your own donation drives.
Send extra food to school with your kids or siblings
Kids are some of the biggest recipients of SNAP, so the loss of the program will hit them particularly hard. If you’re a parent or guardian or even an older sibling, try sending your kids or siblings with extra snacks in their lunch bags for classmates that might not have lunch. Or, send in snacks for the class if possible. Sometimes snacks are sent in for holidays or birthdays, so see if you can do it for your kid’s class.
College students can help too
Being at college doesn’t have to stop you from helping out. Consider reaching out to your schools’ dining services and see what options you might have for donating your dining dollars or helping your classmates. Some schools, like Iowa State University, have meal swipe donation programs — yours might too. If they don’t, check for school-sanctioned food pantries that you can give your resources or time to. Virginia Tech has one, and likely so do many other colleges. There could also be local organizations/off-campus food pantries in your college town that you can check out too.
If you run a club, consider encouraging members to bring snacks to the meetings if they don’t already. Many events on campus serve food (your campus might even decide to run its own events for the SNAP loss), and if you know of any, try and advertise them on social media or wherever you can. It’s key to make sure students know they have options.
Donate, spread the word, help however we can
Giving is amazing, but it’s important to remember help isn’t just about the physical act of giving. Spreading the word about helpful resources is a great way to help your community. We are fast approaching the holiday season, a season all about giving and community, so let’s start the season off right by helping those affected by the SNAP loss as best we can.