U.S. Food Banks Report Surge in Demand Amid SNAP Benefit Lapses
Overview of Increased Demand
Food banks and pantries across the United States are reporting elevated demand, particularly in November, a period typically characterized by high need. This increase coincides with the lapse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million Americans.
Regional Impacts and Operational Challenges
At the ABCD Allston/Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center Food Pantry in Boston, staff are managing a consistent flow of individuals seeking assistance. The pantry is distributing frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving. Some individuals, such as Yenifer Burgos, a mother of four, and Wanda Concepcion, unable to work due to a disability, expressed concerns regarding food security. The ABCD pantry has recently instituted a two-week waiting period for food assistance, a new development for their operations.
In Johnston, Iowa, the Johnston Partnership pantry has observed record-high daily demand throughout November. Executive Director Andrea Cook noted that food distribution is occurring at a rate equal to or exceeding incoming donations. Volunteers, including board members, are assisting with tasks such as unloading, sorting, deliveries, and phone inquiries to manage the increased workload.
Broader Systemic Strain
Project Bread, a Massachusetts-based anti-hunger organization, has reported that its FoodSource Hotline, which connects individuals to food assistance, is receiving four times its typical call volume. Some partner pantries have communicated capacity limits, requesting a reduction in referrals due to an inability to serve additional individuals.
Funding and Resource Gaps
2023 challenges for food assistance providers include the U.S. Department of Agriculture's halt of approximately $500 million in food deliveries earlier in the year, and increased demand during a federal government shutdown in the previous month.
Several state and local governments have allocated funds to support food banks. New York State has committed $65 million, and California has provided $80 million along with National Guard resources for distribution efforts. Private donations have also increased in some areas, such as at Jewish Family and Career Services in Louisville, Kentucky.
However, David Finke, CEO of Jewish Family and Career Services, emphasized that SNAP provides roughly nine times the volume of food assistance compared to the entire network of nonprofit food banks. He cited an example where his organization distributed nearly 1,000 pounds of food after receiving approximately 600 pounds, indicating a deficit. Finke also noted concerns that directing significant resources to the food crisis could impact other essential services offered by his agency, such as job placement and therapy.
Statements on Sustainability
Judith Ingram, director of NW Community Food in Washington, D.C., and Sarah Saadian, a senior vice president with the National Council of Nonprofits, both commented on the limitations of private nonprofit organizations to compensate for the scale of need typically addressed by government programs.