Communities across the country unite to provide free food amid SNAP benefits delays
People across the country are coming together to create unique and free food opportunities amid delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a dad and his young sons’ mission to feed the community is touching millions in a now viral video on social media.
Last Sunday, AJ Owen and his sons, ages seven and nine, decided they wanted to help people who are losing their SNAP benefits by making free food available in the front yard of their Whitehall home.
"By the next morning, we had everything out, about 70% of it was gone," Owen told . "That told us immediately there’s a need for this in our area, which is one, we're so grateful to be able to help, two, so sad that so many people do need this assistance."
Watch the video in the player above.
In Birmingham, Alabama, a business owner celebrated her birthday by helping those affected by the government shutdown on Tuesday.
Charnita Horton partnered with a dozen food trucks to give out free food. The line was wrapped around the block with more than 300 people.
“I remember being in college and I had [SNAP benefits] for ten days,” she said, “but I remember being young and my mom—we used to have WIC. We had to survive.”
One couple in Athens, Vermont, decided to take action by creating a free food pantry outside of their home.
Krista Gay put together a homemade food pantry using old bins, cardboard, and extra groceries about a week ago to show support to those struggling nearby.
Gay and her husband, Christian Rogerson, came up with the idea last Sunday after reading about SNAP benefits expiring and feeling overwhelmed.
"My town doesn't have a food shelf, and I know that there are vulnerable people in my town that don't even have cars to go to those places," said Gay.
With benefits cut, she said she wanted to find a way to help. The two decided to start a free pantry in their front yard. They said it was simple to put together.
"If you don't have a food pantry in your town that is already able to do something like this, all it takes is some bins, cardboard, and a marker and tape," said Rogerson.
