CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Food pantries across Clarksville are feeling the strain as the ongoing government shutdown leaves federal civilian workers without pay and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits pushes more families to seek help putting meals on the table.
Local organizations say demand has spiked in recent weeks, with shelves emptying faster than donations can fill them, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Loaves and Fishes sees demand double overnight
At Loaves and Fishes, staff say they’re already seeing the effect. “A lot of the impact right now – we’re just feeling the start of it,” said Nikki Baxter, administrative assistant to the executive director of Loaves and Fishes. “Even a small change – like a delay in the benefits – can double the number of people that we serve in a day.”
Baxter said the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is “meant to be the safety net before people need us.” But, as Baxter pointed out, “Once that net is weakened, the demand is going to shift directly onto food pantries and soup kitchens. And since we’re not federally funded, we have to stretch every donated dollar further and further.”
With the holidays approaching, Baxter said donations are falling short. “Our shelves are the lowest they’ve been all year,” Baxter said. “We’re serving more meals than ever. And it’s not just the unhoused population, but working parents, veterans and seniors who aren’t able to make ends meet.”…