Food Banks Brace for Surge as SNAP Support Suspended

Food banks in East Texas are preparing for a significant increase in demand as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This situation is expected to impact thousands of residents who rely on the program for essential food support.

On October 7, 2023, the SNAP assistance, which provides an average of $346 monthly per household in Gregg County, will come to a halt. Deborah Taylor, a resident of the area, expressed her concerns while waiting in line at Longview Community Ministries. “I’ve actually used my benefits for October, so it’s going to be a struggle, but I’m going to try to make ends meet with what I have,” she stated.

The East Texas Food Bank, which serves 26 counties including Gregg, anticipates an influx of clients, particularly as many of the region’s over 11,000 federal employees face unpaid furloughs. David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank, noted that many of these individuals are turning to food banks for the first time. “If you’re already having trouble making ends meet, and all of a sudden, you don’t have an extra $300 to buy groceries, then obviously, you’re going to have to look to food banks,” Emerson explained.

The effects of the SNAP funding suspension are profound. Emerson added that the food bank usually serves over 200,000 individuals annually. With the loss of SNAP benefits, many families, particularly those with children and senior citizens, will require additional assistance to secure their next meal. Emerson emphasized, “SNAP is an incredible program. It is supplemental. For every one meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine meals.”

Local food banks have already begun to respond to the increased need by ordering an additional $400,000 worth of food. Emerson highlighted that this figure could grow if the shutdown continues. Additionally, the loss of SNAP funding may adversely affect grocery retailers in the area, leading to potential struggles with decreased sales.

Community Response to Increased Demand

David Wilcox, executive director of Longview Community Ministries, indicated that the organization currently assists between 80 and 100 people daily, a number he expects to rise. The organization provides one box of food per month to each recipient. Wilcox noted the broader implications of the SNAP cuts: “If they’re having problems buying food, then that means we’re going to see also issues with, ‘Do I pay my electric bill or do I pay for my grocery bill?’”

Residents seeking assistance have various resources available. The East Texas Food Bank’s Longview Resource Center, located at 2900 Signal Hill Drive, operates Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 15:30 to 17:30 on Fridays. Longview Community Ministries, situated at 506 N. Second St., is open from 09:00 to 12:30 Tuesday through Friday for food, rental, or financial assistance.

Other organizations providing essential support include the Greater Longview United Way, which operates the Infoline at (903) 236-9211, and several local food pantries and outreach missions. For instance, the Salvation Army offers dinner nightly and operates a food pantry, while Helping Hands of Kilgore and Caring & Sharing provide food and clothing assistance.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges posed by the shutdown, food banks remain committed to serving their communities. Emerson and Wilcox are urging residents to contact their local representatives to advocate for an end to the shutdown. “The longer it goes, obviously, the more that number will be,” Emerson remarked, referring to the anticipated need for additional food supplies.

Standing outside Longview Community Ministries, Deborah Taylor reflected on her situation with resilience. “It’s tough. It’s kind of hard not to break down, but I’m going to pull through,” she said. Her thoughts on the government shutdown were candid: “It’s kind of bull. We’re going to feel everything that they’re doing.”

As the impact of the shutdown unfolds, the support of food banks and community organizations will be crucial for those facing food insecurity in East Texas.