As the federal government shutdown continues, United Way of Greater Chattanooga is responding swiftly to the growing food insecurity crisis by committing $100,000 in emergency funding to food pantries across the region.
A local donor has contributed an additional $50,000, bringing the total to $150,000. Community partners have banded together in this urgent effort to stabilize food access as thousands of families face uncertainty due to the expected pause in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits beginning November 1.
SNAP is the backbone of food security for more than 34,000 individuals in Hamilton County alone. With federal funding unresolved, the ripple effects are already being felt. United Way’s 211 Helpline has seen a 50% increase in call volume this week, driven entirely by food-related requests…