With the federal government shutdown set to halt SNAP benefit payments as soon as this weekend and showing no signs of ending anytime soon, the United Way of the Flint Hills has developed a Food Relief Rapid Response Team.
United Way CEO Daphne Mertens says close to 20 entities are already included. She says the goal of this new team is simple:
Mertens says this effort is relying on entities already helping provide food relief to some degree, including the Lyon County Food and Farm Council, Healthier Lyon County Coalition, city of Emporia, KansasWorks and Newman Regional Health, but she wants to see others willing to step forward.
Mertens also says the national situation highlights the need for Abundant Harvest, which is under short-term United Way oversight and city funding after the Rescue Mission Board decided to end its work with the food kitchen earlier this year. The paths forward for Abundant Harvest and the Food Relief Rapid Response Team, whether connected or divergent, remain to be seen.
The United Way is now into a Thanksgiving meal giveaway. People can either use a list of items on the United Way’s Facebook page or they can donate $40 through the United Way’s website, unitedwayoftheflinthills.org, to help feed a family.
Mertens also says the United Way’s 2-1-1 resource line is getting more attention as needs increase for help with housing, actual or potential homelessness, rent payments and utility payments.
Businesses and non-profits interested in participating in the Food Relief Rapid Response Team can call 620-342-7564 or email info@uwfh.org.