With the recent suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the government shutdown, local businesses are stepping up to the plate.
The Columbia Farmer’s Market is making sure all Columbians still have access to healthy produce. The market’s Access to Healthy Food program both supports the farmers who grow the produce and offers everyone access to fresh, locally grown produce.
Meals on Wheels is intervening to make sure no Columbian in need goes hungry, especially around the holidays. An additional 5,000 meals have been added to the philanthropy’s outreach. SNAP recipients must register online with proof of eligibility. Currently, the market is allowing a $35 credit in lieu of SNAP to AHF’s enrollees. But providing to the food-insecure in Columbia would not be possible without the help of donations.
Support the Columbia Farmers Market’s AHF program here; a donation of $35 can feed a family of four for a week, on top of that money benefiting local farmers. Learn more about AHF and the Columbia Farmers Market’s efforts here.
At Clovers Natural Market, “we’re all in this together,” according to the business’ Instagram post. Both Clovers locations will be offering free produce from their discount shelf and one grab ‘n go meal per day for patrons with a valid SNAP letter of eligibility. “We’re committed to doing our part to make sure no Columbian goes hungry this November,” the market said on Instagram.
Other grocery stores are also joining in. Hy-Vee is providing food from 4-7 p.m. at all locations; free for children 10 and under and $3 for everyone else. You can also help by participating in the food drive at Schnucks, which will be ongoing until Nov. 11.
“We are actively working to offer food support for those on the waiting list by partnering with other community organizations,” Meals on Wheels Columbia said in a statement. “Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of our community.”
However, the outreach is impossible without volunteers. With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to come together and help our community. If you can volunteer, find out how here. If you can’t volunteer your time, donate here.
The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri is also expecting an increase in demand around the holidays. Those short on time can donate digitally; those short on funds can donate their time to keep our neighbors fed this holiday season.
