Catholic Charities Braces for Surge in Need as SNAP Benefits Are Set to Expire November 1st

(KNSI) – Catholic Charities Emergency Services is preparing for an influx of visitors as federal SNAP benefits expire at the end of the month.

Program Manager Eric Vollen is concerned and told KNSI News the demand on the food shelf has been higher even before the food stamp program was set to run out of funds. “We’ve already seen an increase in visits this week as people prepare for the possibility of losing benefits. Compared to last year, we’ve served 4% more individuals and 6% more households, and we’ve distributed 7% more food. Nearly 2 million pounds so far this year. Demand has been high all year, and this could push us to record levels.”

Vollen explains that SNAP is the first line of defense to feed families struggling to make ends meet. “SNAP is the backbone of hunger relief in Minnesota. For every one meal a food shelf provides, SNAP provides nine.”

Without the safety net, around 440,000 Minnesotans are at risk of going hungry. Over half of food stamp recipients — 54% — are children or seniors.

To handle the anticipated surge, Vollen says Catholic Charities is making operational changes. “That means adjusting how we operate. Things like line management, possibly limiting choices temporarily, lowering the poundage or the amount of food that a household may receive as we anticipate helping serve more people, and also using pre-packed food boxes if needed.”

The organization is seeking cash donations and non-perishable food items to get them through. They’re particularly looking for pasta, low or no-sugar cereal, peanut butter, and canned meats like tuna and chicken.

Monetary donations can be made online. Food and item donations can be dropped off at 157 Roosevelt Road, with expanded hours now running Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Those needing assistance can call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 888-711-1151 or contact Catholic Charities Emergency Services at 320-229-4560.

They’re also collecting winter wear in all sizes and new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program.

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