URGENT UPDATE: Food banks across the Lowcountry are experiencing a dramatic surge in demand as families brace for impending cuts to SNAP benefits. Local agencies report a staggering 20-30% increase in families seeking assistance in just the past few weeks, highlighting an urgent need for support before the anticipated reductions take effect.
At the Glorious Church of Jesus Christ in Hardeeville, S.C., food bank director Alberta Gray stated that the situation is unprecedented. “We have never seen it like this before,” she said. Many families are already preparing for significant shortages in government assistance, with lines forming as early as 6:00 AM as individuals seek to secure food before the cuts begin on Saturday.
With many families consisting of three or more members, the small church is struggling to keep up with the demand. Gray expressed concern about running low on supplies, “If this is being done on the first day of this, can you imagine for the rest of the time? We have to figure it out.” Currently, tables at the food bank are only half full, and their surplus pantry is insufficient to cover the increasing needs.
The Second Helpings agency, which supplies 85% of the food distributed by the church, is also facing a crisis. This organization supports a total of 55 pantries, soup kitchens, and social services across Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. In the last week alone, several agencies have reported that the number of people seeking assistance has doubled.
Executive director Amy Colin voiced her alarm over the situation, stating, “There’s only so much income at the end of the month when you’re paying for your roof and your transportation and your medical care. And the thing that people are going without is food. When you start reducing SNAP and other federal benefits, it is increasing at an alarming rate.”
The food supply chain is also affected, as local grocery stores rely on SNAP payments. With fewer benefits available, the amount of food available for donation has decreased significantly. In response, Second Helpings is urging local businesses and communities to initiate food drives to help alleviate the crisis.
As the situation develops, community members are encouraged to contribute through financial donations to Second Helpings or local agencies to address the growing food insecurity. The urgency is clear: without increased support, many families may face severe shortages during this critical time.
For more details on how to help and to donate, please visit the Second Helpings website. Your immediate action can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling in our community.
