Matters that Matter: All hands on deck needed for local food pantries
Laura Giles
Due to the recent government shutdown, it may take quite some time for those on limited incomes to get back to where they were, financially, just a few weeks ago. With the holidays approaching, this is always a busy time for food banks and pantries, but it’s even more true this year due to the effects of the record 43-day shutdown.
According to Wendy Osborne, founder of Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry in Spanish Fork, there was a 20% increase in families seeking food assistance during the first week without federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. “We actually began noticing an uptick two weeks earlier, likely due to several factors: families with government employees missing paychecks, other food security programs having to cut back due to funding shortages and a general surge in community need,” she said.
Osborne said their strategy to meet the increase is an all-hands-on-deck approach. In order to provide more food to more families, community support is critical right now. “We need as many food drives as people can organize, and we also need financial donations to fill the gap for items that aren’t typically donated,” she said.
Osborne is more concerned about running out of food and the need for more volunteers than ever before. “Still, we have faith in this community — when people know there’s a need, they step up. We’re asking everyone to help in whatever way they can: donate food, funds or time. Every bit makes a difference,” she said.
The Saratoga Springs and Pleasant Grove Tabitha’s Way food pantries have also experienced a 20% increase due to the shutdown. Founder Mike Carter said he worries that the general public will think all is well with the end of the shutdown. However, many clients have possibly borrowed money for food or will not have paid other bills in order to purchase food. It will take them time to get back on track.
“We do not know yet when federal employees who have not been paid will receive their first paycheck. We do not know if they will receive all of their back wages at one time. We do not know yet when SNAP recipients in Utah will receive their money. We do not know if they will receive half or full benefits,” Carter said.
Even with the current challenges for food pantries, people in Utah are responding. “Food and funds are flowing into Tabitha’s Way pantries and are helping with the needs we have,” Carter said. “We are grateful for the love shown from many wonderful and caring people in Utah County.”
For information about volunteering and donating to Tabitha’s Way, visit tabithasway.org.
