Food is Essential

At the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, we take seriously the role that our organization plays in disaster preparedness and food emergencies.

Today, we are in the wake of a new emergency. For the neighbors relying on SNAP benefits in our region, this is an uncertain time. While normally, we rely on a mindset of abundance over scarcity, for our Neighbors, this is a moment of not having enough food as impending SNAP delays are upon us.

We stand by the fact that food is essential, and what is essential cannot be negotiable. This is our moment to respond. It is time to ask, “What will happen to my neighbor if I do not help?”

Before this government shutdown began, we were already racing together to meet the need for food. Compared to the same exact period year-to-date in 2023, we are mobilizing 45% more food this year across our 15-county region. This is a clear indicator that, before the potential delay of SNAP benefits beginning November 1, our neighbors facing food insecurity were already experiencing an unprecedented level of need for support. We estimate, if benefits are not issued for November, approximately 70,000 of our neighbors relying on SNAP across our region will move from food insecurity to food emergency.

As families across our nation prepare to gather at home for a holiday founded upon the theme of abundance, we are keenly aware that thousands of families are faced with choices that were difficult, now made impossible.

In response to SNAP delays, the Food Bank’s emergency response includes:

1. Increasing food purchasing by 400%, immediately, to maintain the level of inventory necessary to keep provision strong through year-end.
2. Doubling the amount of purchased product to be released online across our network of 230+ Member Partners.

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia was built for moments just like this one. But we cannot do this alone. This is what we ask from you, our partner:

1. Hold our values of Belonging, Compassion and Dignity close as you serve both new and returning neighbors.
2. Remember that compliance with Civil Rights and Food Safety are important in how we safely and respectfully serve more neighbors.
3. Review these trainings with your volunteers.
4. Stay in regular communication with your assigned Food Access Coordinator regarding what you are seeing and hearing, as well as any challenges you are facing. We are here to support you!

We will get through this together. We are grateful to have you by our side and to stand with our neighbors today and every day.

– Erin Barger, President & CEO