How you can help your neighbors as SNAP benefits evaporate

November 1st marks the day when SNAP benefits are set to lapse. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a benefit formerly known as food stamps, a vital government program that provides sustenance to low-income people in the United States. In 2024, the US Department of Agriculture reported that SNAP served “an average of 41.7 million people per month, or 12.3 percent of U.S. residents”. In some states, like New Mexico, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, more than 16% of their residents rely on SNAP. As SNAP dries up, an unprecedented amount of people and families in need will be diverted to food banks, many of which are already at capacity.

As our friends, family, and neighbors struggle to access their daily bread, it’s difficult not to feel a sense of helplessness set in. Such a gargantuan crisis can be paralyzing and it can feel impossible to take action for others, when you may not even be able to provide for yourself. The bystander effect is a common social psychological phenomenon in which the presence of many others leads us to feel that the burden of action is placed on someone other than ourselves. The best way to alleviate this is to take action.

Be the first in your group to take action. Any action, big or small, will be of use. Any action that is most accessible to you in your circumstance is worth taking.

First, let's break down the actions you can take, and you may evaluate them as to your circumstances, resources, time, and location.

1. Volunteer at food banks and community organizations
2. Donate to food banks
3. Spread awareness of food insecurity
4. Access your community need
5. Start a food drive
6. Grow or produce food to provide for others

Volunteer at food banks and community organizations

Although it may require some time and energy, volunteering at a food bank or community organization that provides food to those in need is an impactful way to help in this crisis. As community organizations see rising use of their services, they may not have the staff to handle the increase in clients. With the growing reliance on food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens, there is also a potential increase in donations and working hours, which would increase their reliance on helping hands.

Nothing feels quite like getting boots on the ground running. Aside from the crucial help that you would be providing, it is a great opportunity to get more involved in your community and meet new people. If you have family, friends, and neighbors, invite them to join you as well. Choose an organization nearby or that is accessible from your home and contact them to see when they need your helping hand.

For me, the most important factor in my choice of organization was to find a food bank that needed volunteer help on the weekends, as it worked best for my work schedule. I also wanted to choose an organization that was easiest for me to travel to by bus, as I did not have the budget for other ride options.

Spread awareness of food insecurity

This is something that we can all easily do. While many may hear of SNAP benefits freezing, they may not be directly affected by this or may not realize how many in their community may rely on this government service. Others may not feel that they have any ability to change their current reality. Let them know what they can do to help others. Share your efforts and ideas with others, post on social media, and share the needs of organizations in your community.

Donate to food banks and community organizations

The simplest way to take action in this crisis is to donate your money and or food to the food banks and community organizations that are currently taking on a huge influx of clients with short notice. If you are able, giving to food banks and other food security organizations that are struggling the most is one of the most impactful and quick and easy ways that you can help others. It doesn’t require your to leave your home, nor does it require time or effort.

For me, it was easy to forgo some little luxuries, like my occasional coffee order and my monthly streaming service subscription.

Access your community need

What does your community need for most right now? Reach out to people in your community and your local organizations and ask them what they are currently lacking. Are they struggling to find volunteers, donors, or food sources? Do they need help with food delivery? Maybe individuals require help locating fresh produce. Maybe organizations require help with food distribution or even office skills. Connect to your community and ask questions, offer your help, or connect these individuals with others. Leverage your unique skills and your network to get involved.

Start a food drive

Starting a food drive is a great way to gather food for your local food bank. While it may take a little elbow grease and a vehicle, if you have these resources, it can be a great help to your community. First, find a food distribution organization in your area that would be happy to receive your donation and receive their food donation guidelines. Next, gather foods that fit these guidelines, especially nonperishable foods, from your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. You may set up a box for donations in your office or workplace or in front of your home. Post about your food drive on your local social media group and call your friends and family to ask for their donations.

Grow or produce food for your community

A wonderful and rewarding way to help out your community is to provide those in your community with nourishing fresh produce. While it takes a little know-how, the internet will provide you all you need to start your garden. Some easy beginner food crops that you can grow are cherry tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, carrots, potatoes, and kale. For those of us living in colder climates, growing indoors might be the best option for you. You can grow a number of plants indoors by a window, especially leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and spinach. Share them with your community and keep your family and neighbors happy and healthy, while you pick up a rewarding new skill.

Your efforts, big or small, will all be appreciated by the people and families in your community that are struggling during these difficult times.

Sources

https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=55416