Local businesses step up as SNAP changes affect families

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Across Baton Rouge, small businesses and nonprofits are stepping up as changes to the SNAP benefits program continue to strain families. One local coffee shop is finding its own way to make a difference.

“It’s kind of frustrating because business owners, it makes it harder for us because we don’t get to deal with as many customers,” said Manning Bergeron, owner of House Brew Coffee.

While the drop in SNAP assistance affects local business sales, it also highlights a deeper need in the community. Starting Nov. 1, his shop will give away free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with no questions asked.

“As a business in Baton Rouge, it’s really important to support our community and be in that position to uphold the values that we see that are important in our government and our legislation should always reflect that,” said Bergeron.

While local businesses like House Brew are stepping up, organizations like the Baton Rouge Food Bank say every dollar counts.

“The biggest thing the community can do for us is give us money because we can do so much more with the dollar,” said Mike Manning, CEO/President of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. “We have access to national markets where we can bring food in at tremendously lower prices than you find in the grocery store.”

Even as demand rises, the food bank said it will continue to serve anyone who needs help, one meal at a time.

“We’ll do the best we can with as much as we can for as long as we can, and that’s the key. That’s what we do for a living,” said Manning.

The GBR Food Bank is asking members of the community to consider making financial contributions to support the community.

“Help is urgently needed, especially as we move into the holiday season. We cannot fill the gap alone. Our community has always shown up and supported one another, and we are confident it will rise to the challenge. Together, we can ensure every neighbor has access to food.”

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