The ongoing federal government shutdown has caused concerns for those receiving aid from food assistance programs. Benefit systems like FoodShare, SNAP, and EBT have all been affected, meaning that impacted recipients may be turning to new programs to help them get through the shutdown.
The FOOD Pantry Serving Waukesha County is one of the organizations offering assistance. This non-profit organization aims to eliminate hunger throughout Waukesha County, giving residents the hope, dignity, and food they require.
In the wake of the federal government shutdown, the FOOD Pantry has partnered with Good Harvest Market and Hope Harvest & Vine.
Good Harvest has decided to launch their annual Food Pantry Fundraiser a month earlier than usual as a way to help support the food pantry.
The program ensures that for every $25 donated by a customer, Good Harvest Market will provide $50 worth of health conscious groceries. The selected groceries will come from their list of “Harvest Deals”, which have over 200+ discounted organic and natural products.
Customers can also round up their total when checking out to help supplement funds for the program. The goal is to give healthy, nutritious options to those in need.
Other local organizations are also helping provide options for those in need of food, such as The Salvation Army in Waukesha. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, they serve hot dinners to those in need. They also have a neighborhood food pantry filled with nonperishable food and dry pantry goods that are shelf stable.
The Stone Soup Project is another local organization that is seeking to ensure that Waukesha residents have reliable access to a hot meal several times a week. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4 pm, this group serves up hot meals at 409 E. Main Street in Waukesha.
Other groups, like Family Promise of Waukesha County, are trying to give residents in need options. Family Promise is collecting gas and grocery gift cards to help parents put food on the table for their families.
It is still unclear when these federally funded assistance programs might return, but organizations throughout the area are coming together to keep the community healthy and stress-free during this period of uncertainty.
