The government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, has impacted many Adair Countians in some manner.
According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, there are 1651 households in Adair County that receive SNAP benefits. With fears of not receiving those benefits and the delay in processing, many local families have faced crisis situations.
Joy Ministries and the Adair County Food Pantry both saw a significant increase in demand last week. While the government shutdown could end with a House vote on Wednesday (expected after the Community Voice presstime), the need for food and necessities remains substantial.
Joy Ministries
“Last week at the end of the day on Friday, we had given about 273 food bags. To kind of put that into perspective, on average, we give out 175 in a whole month,” said Faith Anderson, lead case manager for Joy Ministries.
During the first week of November, Joy Ministries distributed 100 more bags than they normally do in an entire month. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, they distributed 112 food bags.
Joy Ministries provides food to anyone from Adair County who requests assistance. They collect information for reporting and grant application purposes, but it is kept confidential.
The organization also participates in the Feeding America program, which serves those age 60 or older. This program requires an application and income verification. Those boxes are distributed monthly.
According to Anderson, Joy Ministries usually sees a small increase around the holidays.
“Around this time of year, we always get more because we also do holiday boxes. On average, we usually do 100 boxes for Thanksgiving and 100 for Christmas. This year we are doing 150,” said Anderson.
The data only reflects those who are willing to seek help, though many others face similar struggles. There should never be shame in asking for help when needed, Anderson said.
“Krystal, our boss, always says that most people are just a couple of paychecks away from being in the position our clients are in because of the way things are,” said Anderson. “More people are in that position. Just a couple of paychecks can put you in a position to need a food pantry.”
Adair County Food Pantry
The Adair County Food Pantry is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at 203 S. Monroe Street. Each household is eligible to receive one food box per month.
Pantry director Michelle Fruth said last week the food pantry distributed a record number of food boxes with 164. The previous record was 120.
The pantry also operates a senior citizens commodity program for anyone age 60 and over who meet income qualifications. Participants receive one box per month.
“We are working close with the Cattleman’s Association. They have donated several beefs to us already this year. We just have to pay for the processing fees,” said Fruth. “That helps give meat out, too. So, we are blessed with that.”
Family Resource Youth Service Center
Family Resource Youth Service Centers at each school also help support local families. These centers can help families with food and other items or connect them with community resources.
Heather Dudley, Youth Service Center Coordinator, said they haven’t seen a huge increase in food needs but are preparing in advance. The centers work closely with community partners such as Joy Ministries and the food pantry.
The FRYSC operates a backpack program that provides food for students to take home on weekends. The program, funded through Feeding America, provides 12-15 non-perishable, single serving food items discreetly sent home with students.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
