SNAP interruption increases demand at area food pantries

Ash Grove, Republic food pantries face greater challenge than COVID years
 
Food pantries throughout the region have been seeing an uptick in the amount of donations given out and donations asked for since the halt of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
Both Ash Grove and Republic food pantries are being used more by their respective communities, as many are worried they will not have enough food to make it through until the food stamp program regains functionality.
 
Ash Grove
Deanna Monnig, president of the board of the Ash Grove Food Pantry, has noted that many of the families who already use the food pantry, between 130-140 families per month, are having even more difficulty than before because of the lack of food stamps.
“A lot of the families—who are good families—have a one-income household, and those are the ones that are really starting to struggle,” said Monnig.
Monnig expects to see an even larger increase in the number of people served if the stoppage lasts any longer. Luckily for her and for the community, many around the area are stepping up to donate food or money to the food pantry.
One of these generous groups was the youth cheerleaders in Ash Grove, said Monnig.
“...you wouldn’t believe how much those little girls collected,” she said.
Another donation came from the Everton Dollar General, where a freezer packed with frozen food was going out. They put a call out to Monnig, and soon a pickup filled with frozen food was on its way to the pantry. A second Dollar General, this one in Halltown, called Monnig with the same problem, and soon another batch of frozen food was available at the Ash Grove food pantry.
But without these donations, Monnig said their food situation would be much worse. According to her, this happening has led to a bigger food shortage than in the COVID-19 quarantine, as those who were food insecure were at least receiving their SNAP benefits at the time.
Those who wish to help or donate food are encouraged to call Monnig at 417-379-4421.

Republic
The Republic food pantry, People Helping People, has been distributing food at an increased rate, said Cindy Crabtree, board president.
“...we are seeing an increase in our numbers as families worry about the SNAP benefits,” she said.
The food situation in Republic is of concern, according to Crabtree, because of the scarcity of money. Crabtree worries that during this stoppage of SNAP benefits there is increased risk for those deemed most vulnerable in the community.
“At this time there is a great concern because the funds to purchase the food may not be there, and our most vulnerable population (children, the disabled, and the elderly) may not have funds to purchase food,” said Monnig.
Crabtree said that this recent situation differs from the COVID years because of the type of assistance that was needed. During the lockdown citizens were still receiving their SNAP benefits, but accessibility was an issue; now food scarcity is a real concern.
Those who wish to learn more are encouraged to call on Tuesday mornings at 417-732-5464 or visit the People Helping People Facebook page. For those who want to donate, there are a multitude of options, said Crabtree. Food can be dropped off during their open hours, monetary donations are accepted, and items on their Amazon wishlist can be purchased by following the link on People Helping People’s Facebook page.