DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — More than a million North Carolinians are preparing to lose access to food assistance amid the federal government shutdown.
Food pantries across the Triangle are already seeing an increased demand with SNAP benefits set to expire in just a few days.
On Wednesday, volunteers at Emanuel Food Pantry in Durham dropped hundreds of food boxes into trunks as cars drove through one by one.
“What I make on my job does not help me much,” SNAP recipient and Emanuel client Sheila Craig told CBS 17. “Everything is so high nowadays. Groceries are really high and stuff. And food stamps really help. They help me get through the month.”
Emanuel Food Pantry founder and co-Executive director Margaret Rubiera said her volunteers are now serving more people than ever before. They expected to serve about 700 families on Wednesday.
With SNAP benefits nearing expiration, the pantry is preparing for even more clients.
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“We don’t expect the numbers to decrease,” Rubiera said. “There’s so much anxiety with what’s happening with SNAP and the loss of jobs.”
This week, the state started notifying nearly 665,000 active SNAP households that November benefits will be delayed.
“With the holidays coming and cold weather, we know that the needs are going to be even greater,” Rubiera said.
As the federal government shutdown persists, Durham residents such as Craig are left planning for the near future while relying on food pantry resources.
SEE ALSO: Food assistance prep underway to help students at Wake Tech affected by SNAP pause
“I have to pay bills and most of my money goes towards my bills,” Craig said.
Emanuel Food Pantry told CBS 17 that financial donations are key right now because volunteers also have to purchase more meals than ever before.
Durham County employees are currently hosting a food drive through Nov. 7 that aims to help more than 32,000 residents who receive SNAP benefits.
The following Durham organizations are taking donations:
- Emanuel Food Pantry: 2504 N Roxboro St. Accepts shelf-stable goods like rice, beans, pasta, canned tuna/chicken etc.
- Urban Ministries of Durham (Food Pantry): They accept “food and goods” donations — non-perishables and other items.
- Durham Rescue Mission: Drop-off locations: Men’s Division 1201 E Main St., Durham; Women & Children’s Division 507 E Knox St., Durham. They accept “food” items among gift-in-kind.
- Christian Assembly Emergency Food Pantry: 5516 N Roxboro Rd., Durham. Open second & fourth Thursday afternoons (4-6 p.m.) for distributions; good candidate for drop-offs.
- Durham Center for Senior Life – EATS Program: 406 Rigsbee Ave., Suite 202, Durham. Program for ages 55+; they have bag distributions Monday/Wednesday/Friday, etc. Donations of pantry items/hygiene help.
- Durham Technical Community College campus Harvest Food Pantry: Building 3-110, Phillips Building. They accept non-perishable/stable groceries, hygiene items, and fresh produce. Email pantry@durhamtech.edu to arrange.
