Goose Creek, South Carolina. As the government shutdown continues, food banks and community resource centers around the Lowcountry report an increase in the number of families seeking assistance, weeks before any potential disruption to SNAP benefits.
Helping Hands of Goose Creek workers report that they have checked in 64 new families in the last ten days and served a record 55 families in one day.
Executive Director Niccole Franklin stated that the increase began almost immediately after federal officials warned of potential delays in food assistance next month.
“Our biggest fear is for a family to come in and see our shelves and not know whether we can help them,” according to Franklin. “Uncertainty makes the situation feel more real. We are doing everything we can to keep food on the shelves, but we need everyone working together to make it happen.”
Franklin said Helping Hands just got a 10,000-pound shipment of USDA food, which was a relief after initial concerns that the cargo would not arrive due to the closure.
About 9,000 pounds of that shipment were for a federal income-based program, with the remaining 1,000 pounds going to another community organization.
Even with that boost, Franklin stated that the most pressing need right now is for community donations, both food and financial. The pantry’s “choice program,” which allows families to choose their own groceries, is fully funded via local donations and private funding.
“We broke records last November because of the holidays,” Franklin explained. “This year, we expect even bigger numbers. Families will still want to make Christmas happen for their children, which means they will need our assistance much more.”
According to Louis Smith, Executive Director of the Community Resource Center, comparable indicators of strain can already be seen at centers throughout the region. He stated that families that rely on SNAP benefits are arriving early, loading up on food, and wondering what to do if assistance is delayed.
“We are already seeing it,” Smith explained. “People are stockpiling supplies in preparation for what may happen. We are straining, but we are meeting the demand, and if this trend continues, we will be prepared to handle it.”
Smith said his organization is collaborating with partner agencies and food banks in other counties to shift goods and prepare for November.
He stated that transportation remained a big worry for rural communities who may live many miles from the nearest pantry or grocery shop.
“We have had several people reach out to us who do not have transportation,” she said. “There are people with disabilities who depend on SNAP, and we are making plans to help them get food if the need grows.”
Both executives stated that their groups are doing all possible to remain prepared, but the community’s contribution would be critical if the closure persists.
Residents are asked to help meet the increased demand by donating nonperishable items, volunteering, or contributing monetarily.
For additional information on donating or volunteering, visit the Helping Hands and Community Resource Center websites.
