SNAP Paused, Community Food Shelves Continue to Provide

DULUTH, Minn. — With Snap benefits facing a pause due to the government shutdown, many area food shelves and pantries are there to fill in the gap.

All snap applications are no longer being approved, and November benefits will not be sent out.

Community resources like food shelves and pantry programs are there to help those facing food insecurity.

“There were 9 million visits to food shelves in Minnesota last year, and that was up from seven and a half million the year before. So, it’s not going up by a little, it’s going up by a lot. And so, we know food insecurity is a problem” said Dan Furry, PR and Communications Director for The Salvation Army Northern Division.

As that need grows so does the need for community support.

Volunteering and donating are always great ways to support the local shelves.

“During the pandemic, we saw that immensely. You know, when, when people were out of work and they had no income coming in during shutdowns and whatnot, we saw people who had the ability really step up and make donations so that those people that were really experiencing hardship didn’t have to go through it alone.” said Furry.

Food donations are accepted but the best way to make a difference is with cash donations.

Cash allows the shelves to stretch the dollars better and purchase needed items.

The Duluth Salvation Army has food shelf twice a week, a medical food shelf weekly, and hot lunch programs Monday through Friday if people are in need of food assistance.

More information on the SNAP pause can be found here.