SPOKANE, Wash. — Local food assistance organizations are struggling to meet surging demand as uncertainty over federal food benefits continues.
At least 10 states, including New York, Kansas, and Washington, say they’re starting to send full SNAP food assistance benefits.
In Spokane, uncertainty is taking a toll on local non profits as resources run low while more people turn to them for help.
Susan McDonald Osborn operates Spokane Helpers Network from the basement of her South Hill home, where volunteers pack and deliver meal kits across Spokane County. The nonprofit typically helps around 40 families per week, but that number has recently doubled to 80.
“It’s been challenging over the last week,” Osborn said. “We knew that there was a possibility that we would see a significant increase in the use of food banks in people who reach out to us and people who go to feeding sites.”
The organization, which has about 150 volunteers, used to deliver food within 48 hours. The increased demand has led to deliveries being backed up for more than a week.
“We have a pretty significant waiting list right now too. There’s at least 20 people on the waiting list,” Osborn said.
“So when people are hungry, their kids are hungry right now. We have to say to them, we’re very sorry, but we can’t deliver to you quickly, which feels like we’re not helping in a way that we need to be helping, but we’re doing the best that we can,” Osborn said.
The need is being felt across the area. Serve Spokane, a food bank on the north side, saw 200 families come in for help Thursday. Numbers appeared to improve Saturday.
“I thought today maybe, maybe some of the government moneys have been released and maybe people are relieved a bit today and didn’t have to come in,” said Cathy DelPizzo, executive director of Serve Spokane.
The surge in demand has forced Serve Spokane to cut back slightly on how much food it can distribute.
“We’re hearing people say, I never thought I’d be coming to a food pantry. And we’re able to say, we’re glad we’re here to serve you,” DelPizzo said.
Both Spokane Helpers Network and Serve Spokane are accepting donations and looking for volunteers.
You can find more information on Spokane Helpers Network here.
You can find more information about Serve Spokane here.
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