United Way offers emergency food assistance

As many are aware, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food. In Tennessee alone, nearly 700,000 residents receive SNAP benefits each month.

While there are many consequences to this lapse in funding, the most important is the number of individuals and families that will not have access to basic food items through the program's benefits. In United Way of South Central Tennessee's seven-county service area, nearly 45,000 individuals that are enrolled will experience a $9.5 million lapse in funding for November alone (based on data via tn.gov). 

In the past week, our region's calls to 211 for food assistance resources have doubled - echoing a community-wide concern regarding the lack of SNAP funding. 211 is a free and confidential service helping people find the local resources they need for help in times of crisis and beyond.

United Way of South Central Tennessee believes that everyone in our community deserves the chance to thrive - starting with the most basic needs like shelter, health, water, and food. Join the United Way in supporting our neighbors in need by giving back in one of the following ways:

1. Contribute financially. The United Way of South Central Tennessee has established an Emergency Food Assistance Fund for its seven-county service area. Make a monetary donation with confidence that your gift will support the community organizations that are reaching those in need of food assistance. Click here to contribute to the Emergency Food Assistance Fund. 

2. Volunteer your time. Many organizations need more volunteers due to the increase in client volume. Check out Second Harvest Food Bank or Nourish Food Bank for volunteer opportunities. Volunteer Connect is always a great resource for volunteer opportunities near you.  

3. Spread the word about local resources. 211 is a free and confidential service to connect people with local resources in times of crisis. Second Harvest Food Finder allows you to search by zip code, select a county, or choose a location type to find a location near you. Locally, Helping Hands of Warren County at 220 East Main Street in McMinnville can be contacted at (931) 507-9070.