Delayed SNAP benefits amidst government shutdown

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed to pay out half of the usual amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through a contingency fund for the month of November. 

The decision followed a mandate given by the Rhode Island Federal Court, requiring the Trump Administration to pay out at least partial benefits for the program. The order does not account for what would happen for the 42 million Americans who receive assistance through the program, if the shutdown continues beyond November.

In a press conference on Nov. 3, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stated, “the president is not appealing the decision. He wants SNAP to be done, but he doesn’t see the mechanism to do so.”

However, on Oct. 30, two federal judges declared that the government has the legal obligation to continue SNAP benefits.

SNAP benefits are received by approximately 13% of the Georgia population and allow low income families to purchase groceries at supermarkets and farmer’s markets using an electronic benefit transfer card (EBT). School age children in SNAP receiving households are also eligible to receive free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program, a federally funded program that is also under threat during the shutdown.

Non-profit and local food banks offering support

Fortunately, the community of Savannah has several nonprofits and businesses eager to pitch in and help families in need during these uncertain times. Listed are a few organizations to reach out to if you, or someone you know, is struggling to put food on the table. Many of these programs are also looking for volunteers and donations now more than ever.

• Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is a volunteer-driven nonprofit food bank and community partnering organization. Their programs include, Brown Bag for the Elderly, Kids Cafe, Mobile Food Pantry and Partner Market Place. 

• PACK Savannah

People of Action Caring for Kids (PACK) is a volunteer-run organization that delivers weekend meal bags each week to food-insecure children through 42 Chatham County schools and community centers. 

• Savannah DSA Mutual Aid

Savannah Democratic Socialists of America offers a mutual aid community, sharing every Saturday from 3-5 pm. The organization offers and asks for items such as clothes, food, toiletries and other necessities. 

• Emmaus House Savannah

Emmaus House is an unrestricted soup kitchen that runs a feeding program each weekday. The program is funded by local and federal grants, as well as individual donations.

• Rose Tattoo Club Food Drive

Rose Tattoo Club is a local business that is currently running a food drive. All donations, whether food staples or monetary donations, will be donated to Emmaus House.

• Origin Coffee Bar

Origin Coffee Bar in downtown Savannah is offering free meals for SNAP recipients. They are further seeking donations in the effort to keep the community fed. 

• Eagle Essentials Food Pantry

The Eagle Essentials Food Pantry is Georgia Southern’s campus food pantry designed to support students experiencing food and hygiene insecurity. The Captain’s Cupboard is open in the Student Success Complex Building room 1022.