Food pantries scramble ahead of potential SNAP cuts

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Breadbasket Food Pantry in Topeka has already noticed a surge of visitors ahead of the potential Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts.

Breadbasket Food Pantry is open three days a week. You can come in and receive supplemental food boxes, no questions asked.

If you are eligible for benefits, you can sign yourself and your family up for pantry items, like bread, canned goods, and a variety of snacks.

“We try to be as welcoming as we can to everybody. There’s no judgment because we all know life happens, and you fall on hard times, you know,” said Breadbasket Food Pantry Director, Mary Tyler. “So, we when we recognize somebody that they don’t really know what to do when they come in, we just simply welcome them in welcoming them to our pantry.”

Staff says they’ve already noticed a surge in visitors, as more people turn to local pantries for help.

“Today is one of the busiest days that we have seen. It’s just been a nonstop flow of people coming in needing food,” said volunteer, Leigh Congdon. “And we are low on everything, which means that people have been coming in and getting food, which is great. But. But I would say, yes, it has been especially busy lately. ”

According to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, nearly 188,000 Kansans rely on SNAP benefits. Food banks say they’re trying to keep up with the growing demand, but they can’t do it alone.

They say they need ongoing help from the community.

“I can’t do it alone. I need my volunteers. I need food from the community. I need financial help from the community as well. Every little helps,” said Tyler. “I’m grateful for the community that has helped us and continues to help us. I would just say, yeah, just let’s work together and help neighbors help neighbors.”

There are several food pantries open around Topeka each week where families can stock up on food and essentials.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.