As the U.S. Federal Government shutdown grinds on, Durham County employees have spearheaded a food drive to support SNAP beneficiaries facing uncertainty regarding their November assistance. Durham County Manager Claudia Hager and other county officials, including Department of Social Services Director Maggie Clapp, are rallying behind the initiative, named the DCo Staff Coming Together to Support the Community Food Drive. A statement from the Durham County’s website highlighted the critical nature of the drive, noting that Director Clapp, and Crystal Anderson, Program Manager for Food and Nutrition Services at DSS, took to Spectrum News to shine a light on the pressing needs of the community and ways residents can contribute.
The call to action has been directed towards Durham County employees to donate a variety of non-perishable items, such as dry goods, grains, and canned fruits or meats—preferably with ring lids, recognizing that many residents might not own can openers. Ready-to-eat snacks and other foodstuffs are also on the list of requested donations, which are essential for those who rely on SNAP to put food on their tables. According to a report by Durham County, the food drive will conclude for county employees on Friday, November 7, but the larger Durham community is also urged to participate, as more than 32,000 local residents count on SNAP benefits.
SNAP plays a vital role in offering nutritional support to eligible households, many of which have incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. The program is particularly crucial for the elderly, disabled, and those in low-paying jobs, offering assistance to purchase essential grocery items, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and grains. In the face of the shutdown, the potential loss of benefits could pose a severe risk to food security for these vulnerable groups…