The federal government shutdown has caused funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to come to a screeching halt. This affects the nearly 42,000,000 people reliant on the program to put food on their tables. In Rowan County alone, around 2,200 families depend on SNAP benefits.
A coalition of local businesses and organizations, spearheaded by the Rowan County Board of Education, have banded together to help fill the gap left by the freezing of SNAP funds. These groups are raising awareness and have organized food drives to donate to the families in need.
COO of the Rowan County Board of Education, Glen Teager, said it’s important that members of the community band together to help their fellow man.
“When you’re not receiving your SNAP benefits to be able to fill your cupboards with the groceries you need, that’s desperate times,” said Teager. We just couldn’t be more pleased with the way people have stepped up and realized the situation.”
Last weekend, members of the coalition accepted donations of shelf-stable foods at the Kroger and Walmart in Morehead. Teager said the results of the Cram the Van food drive was greater than anticipated.
“It has taken quite a number of man hours just to sort the food that was donated over the weekend. We certainly appreciate those in Rowan County who have big hearts. They stepped up and really gave a lot. It’s going to help a lot of families,” he said.
Thursday and Friday (October 6 and 7) the coalition will accept additional donations of food at the old Rowan County Middle School. Distribution of the food will take place on Saturday November 8. Families must arrive with a child and show proof of residence in Rowan County to be eligible for assistance.