LYNCHBURG, Va. – Local food banks and pantries are seeing an increase in demand as families across the Lynchburg area deal with stolen SNAP benefits.
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank says demand has nearly doubled, with more than 175,000 visits each month across its network.
James Quade, branch operations manager with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, said the organization is prepared to help families who suddenly find themselves without money for food.
“We’re going to help you. And our network of pantries, soup kitchens and shelters are all standing by to fill in that gap for you.”
That increased need is also being felt at individual food pantries.
Todd Blake, executive director of Park View Community Mission, said about 10% of the families who recently visited its food pantry were new to the pantry and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank network.
Blake said that is about twice the typical number of new families they see in a week.
Three families came to Park View last Thursday after their SNAP benefits were stolen. One family reported losing $300, while another lost $287.
With more families potentially turning to food assistance, Quade said the food bank is working to keep its shelves stocked.
The food bank brought in additional food last week and is moving those supplies to pantries, soup kitchens and shelters throughout the area.
Quade said the organization plans ahead and has contingency measures in place when demand suddenly increases.
“We try to be prepared even up to six months out. We have food that is ordered three, six months out that are continually coming in.”
Park View is also relying on food donations and community partners to prepare for more people seeking assistance.
Blake said the goal is to make sure families affected by SNAP theft have access to enough food while they work through the loss of their benefits.
For people who have had their SNAP benefits stolen, Quade said help is available through the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
“If you are one of those who’ve been affected by the recent SNAP debacle with the theft of the money and you find yourself without any funds, then you can come visit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.”
Quade said people do not need to arrive with extensive paperwork. Staff can collect basic information and help connect them with food assistance.
Blake said Park View also wants families to know they will be treated with dignity when they ask for help.
“We’re going to treat them well. We’re going to provide a healthy variety of food to help take care of them in this interim period when their SNAP’s been stolen.”
Where to find food assistance
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank provides free groceries through a network of food pantries and other community partners across the region.
The food bank’s Food Finder allows people to search for nearby food pantries, meal programs and mobile food distributions by entering an address, city or ZIP code. The tool also provides hours and contact information for available resources.
Find food near you with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Food Finder
People can also visit the Park View Community Mission website to learn more about its food assistance and other community resources.
Park View’s Food for Families program provides groceries at no cost. Its food pantry is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2420 Memorial Avenue in Lynchburg.
Get help from Park View Community Mission
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank also encourages people to call ahead because pantry hours and services can change.
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