Community food drive to help families affected by shutdown

As the federal government shutdown continues, concerns are growing over how long essential services will remain disrupted. The U.S. Department of Agricultural (USDA) announced on its website that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, has run out and benefits will not be issued on Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues. "The well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1," USDA officials said in an online statement. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report issued in January 2025, more than 200,000 Arkansas residents participate in the SNAP program which accounts for about 8% of the state’s population. In response, the St. Francis County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Department of Human Services office of SFC are teaming up to organize a community food drive from Oct. 31 through Nov. 14. "With the holidays and cold weather approaching, this is the last thing our families expected to be dealing with right now," said Nicole Hopkins, county supervisor for SFC DCFS. "DHS and DCFS of St. Francis County are deeply involved in our community. We strive not only to keep families together, but also ensure they have all of their basic needs met, including food security." According to Hopkins, there is currently no interruption to those applying or renewing their applications. "Those who need to renew should go ahead and do so as they normally would," said Hopkins. State officials with DHS issued a press release on their website recommending families who receive SNAP benefits to check with local food pantries, churches and community organizations to help with temporary food assistance. "SNAP is a critical program that helps ensure families all across our state have access to nutritious foods, and even a brief disruption is problematic," said DHS Secretary Janet Mann. "Arkansans have a history of coming together to help each other in difficult times. Please check on friends, family and neighbors and donate time or money to food banks if you are able." According to the press release, the shutdown is not expected to have an immediate impact on ARHOME, ARKIDS First A or B or any other Medicaid programs administered by DHS. However, officials said "those who do receive SNAP benefits and have an accrued balance from previous months should use those funds to buy shelf stable foods that can last through November and beyond as the SNAP retail system may disallow purchases beginning Nov. 1, even if the recipient has funds in their account.” Formoreinformationonthe local fooddrive forSt. Francis County residents, callHopkins at 870-662-9086.Donationsof non-perishable itemsmaybe droppedoffattheDHSofficeat 1200E. Broadway inForrest City.

Community food drive to help families affected by shutdown

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