Local Food Banks Prepare for Rising Demand Amid SNAP Funding Worries
Food stamp recipients in Louisiana have gotten some good news from Governor Jeff Landry. He’s asking lawmakers to approve the funding to keep the benefits flowing. Louisiana residents get about $150 million a month in SNAP benefits.
Nearly 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits. That’s about 17% of the state’s population.
READ MORE: Local Food Pantries that Offer Help
The big question is how long the state could continue to fund the program. This has area food banks bracing for an increased demand.
We caught up with Martha Marak, the Executive Director of the Food Bank of NWLA and asked her several questions about the needs in the Shreveport Bossier area.
What Are the Biggest Needs at the Food Bank?
Marak tells KEEL News the greatest need right now “is food and funds to help us replenish our inventory. Like many food banks across the country, we are seeing increased demand while supplies are lower than usual. Every dollar donated helps us provide up to ten dollars’ worth of food because of our purchasing power and partnerships.”
What Is the Best Way to Donate?
The easiest and most effective way to help is through a monetary donation, since this allows us to purchase exactly what is needed, when it is needed most. Donations can be made securely at www.foodbanknla.org/donate.
Are Community Food Drives Planned?
She says “we are always grateful for community food drives and individual efforts to collect food, but the impact goes even further through monetary giving. Anyone interested in organizing a food drive can find tips and registration information on our website.
How Does the Food Bank Get Items to People in Need?
The local Food Bank provides food through a “network of trusted partner agencies across Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Bienville, Red River and DeSoto parishes. These partners include pantries, meal programs, and shelters that work directly with families and individuals in need. We also hold direct community distributions during times of crisis or government shutdowns.”
What Should Families Facing SNAP Cuts Do?
Marak says “we understand how stressful this uncertainty can be. It is important to remember that food banks are designed to fill gaps in the system, not to replace programs as large as SNAP, but we will do everything possible to help families get through challenging times.”
She does say Louisiana is planning to continue funding SNAP benefits “which is encouraging news. If that remains the case, our immediate focus will shift toward supporting government workers who may be affected by the shutdown and not receiving paychecks. We are preparing parish-based mass distributions to support them if needed.”
Marak says anyone looking for food should call the Food Bank at 318-675-2400 to find a pantry that’s open in the area near where they live.