Athens area food bank braces for SNAP benefit delays

Released by the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia takes seriously the critical role the organization plays in food emergency response and disaster relief.

Today, the Food Bank is in the wake of a new emergency. Normally, the organization adopts a mindset of abundance over scarcity. However, with impending delays in SNAP benefits in a matter of days, neighbors will very soon have insufficient food and will be looking to the Food Bank for solutions.

The Food Bank stands by the fact that food is essential, and what is essential cannot be negotiable. This is the moment to respond. It is time to ask, “What will happen to my neighbor if I do not help?”

Before this government shutdown began, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia was already racing to meet the need for food. Compared to the same exact period year-to-date in 2023, the organization is mobilizing 45% more food this year across its 15-county region. This is a clear indicator that, before the potential delay of SNAP benefits beginning November 1, neighbors facing food insecurity were already experiencing an unprecedented level of need for support. The Food Bank estimates that, if benefits are not issued for November, approximately 70,000 neighbors relying on SNAP across the region will move from food insecurity to food emergency.

As families across the nation prepare to gather at home for a holiday founded upon the theme of abundance, the Food Bank is keenly aware that thousands of families are faced with choices that were difficult, now made impossible.

In response to SNAP delays, the Food Bank’s emergency response includes:

• Increasing food purchasing by 400%, immediately, to maintain the level of inventory necessary to keep provision strong through year-end.

• Increasing all mobile pantry provision to maximize and optimize each distribution during November, and into December if necessary.

• Doubling the amount of purchased product to be released across the network of 230+ Member Partners.

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia was built for moments just like this one. But the organization cannot do this alone.

Community members are invited to join this response by becoming monthly donors or sending generous year-end gifts now for immediate impact. For every $100 donated, the Food Bank can provide 250 meals.

The organization remains deeply grateful for the partnership and support of those who stand with neighbors today and every day.

To learn more about the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, to support these efforts, or to find food, please visitwww.foodbanknega.org