CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Area Food Bank (CFAB) is still seeing a sharp rise as families across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia face uncertainty about when and how much November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be issued.
An estimated 120,000 people across the Food Bank’s service area rely on SNAP each month.
With benefits delayed and partial payments underway, working families are turning to the charitable food network in record numbers.
CAFB activated its emergency response plan in mid-October, ordering truckloads of food, expanding staff and volunteer shifts, and extending hours at its Foxwood Food Center and partner pantries across the region.
Early data from the first week of the SNAP disruption show a sharp increase in need across all 20 counties served by the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
While each community looks different, the trends show more families seeking help, many for the first time, and more children are being served than recent years.
“Food pantries across our region are seeing longer lines and new faces,”
“Families who have never needed help before are walking through our doors because their SNAP benefits haven’t arrived. Even as the government reopens, the reality is that people are still waiting, and our network is doing everything possible to keep food accessible for every neighbor who needs it.”
– Melissa Blevins, President & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank said.
Last week, CAFB added drivers, warehouse staff, and administrative support and expanded volunteer coverage from 260 to 585 shifts to keep pace with demand.
As part of these efforts, CAFB also delivered 110 emergency food boxes to the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to support TSA employees and air traffic controllers affected by the federal government shutdown.
“This crisis won’t end when federal benefits return. We’re preparing for a new normal, with higher needs lasting well beyond this moment. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our volunteers, donors, and partners, we can continue showing up for families who depend on us.”
– Blevins continued.
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank says they will continue coordinating with federal and state agencies as the partial SNAP benefit process unfolds.
They will also adjust operations as needed to expand capacity and support.
