STep statement on Snap disruptions

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We are on the cusp of experiencing a full-blown food security emergency.

Neighbors in St. Louis Park and across the country are facing big challenges to ensure they have enough to eat in November and beyond. Even before the federal shutdown, the food security system has been unraveling. People are being hit by worsening economic conditions. Food shelves like STEP are navigating with fewer resources due to government cuts and reduced donations. Changes to SNAP and other benefits are hurting the most vulnerable. 

 Now with the shutdown, 440,000 Minnesotans are having their SNAP benefits to purchase food disrupted. Even if Congress acts soon, SNAP recipients will either miss their November benefits or experience a multiple week delay. We are at risk seeing hunger return to our communities at levels not seen in this country in well over half a century. 

STEP is the last response to the gaps in the food security system. We will have to ramp up our already stretched operations to combat hunger in St. Louis Park.  

 During November, STEP has increased the number of appointments to access food, both in-person shopping and curbside pick up. If people are unable to make an appointment, prepacked bags of 12-38 lbs of food (depending on family size) will be available. STEP will continue to have produce bags that can be picked up without an appointment on Tuesday afternoons, 1:00-3:00. 

 If these measures prove inadequate, STEP staff are actively planning other ways to secure and distribute food to any neighbor in need.  

 STEP can only do this work with the community’s help. To date, no additional private or public resources have been made available to alleviate hunger during this crisis. 

 How to Help 

  1. If you are able, donate to boost STEP during this challenging time.

  1. Donated food is critical to keeping our shelves stocked and our neighbors fed during this challenging time. Currently, we are asking for donations of canned meat (tuna and chicken), cereal, rice, pasta sauce, oil, and sugar. This food list reflects the items that go quickly and help families make balanced, complete meals. Every can, box, and bag of food donated helps fill the gap left by the SNAP disruption. 

  2. Now more than ever, we need our supporters to raise your voice. Contact your members of Congress to urge them to release contingency funds to SNAP recipients. https://thefoodgroup.salsalabs.org/GovShutdown.../index.html