Food pantry sees rise in local need

After requesting donations at the end of October due to ongoing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program halts from the government shutdown, Graham Food Pantry is seeing an increase in clients and need.

The Graham Food Pantry is under the umbrella organization of the Graham Crisis Center which is operated by Executive Director Joy Petersen. The executive director shared a message Sunday, Oct. 19 regarding the shutdown and its local impact.

Since that time, Petersen said the organization has seen an increase in the number of clients requesting assistance from the food pantry.

“We’re seeing new neighbors signing up for assistance almost every day, which means we need to increase the amount of food we receive weekly,” Petersen said. “We’re also noticing a growing number of elderly clients who need additional support compared to younger generations, which presents its own set of challenges.”

The food pantry distributed approximately 26,000 pounds of food to 462 households and 1,489 individuals last month. 

Texas Health and Human Services announced that SNAP benefits for November would not be issued if the federal government shutdown continued past Monday, Oct. 27. HHSC stated it will issue SNAP benefits as soon as the department receives new federal guidance. 

The department is currently working to implement the latest federal guidance to issue SNAP benefits after a federal judge ruled the U.S. Department of Agriculture must disburse contingency funds for those benefits.

“The reduction and eventual halt of SNAP benefits has certainly led to more families seeking help from us,” Petersen said. “Many of our neighbors who rely on SNAP are now turning to the food pantry for supplemental food, so we’ve been doing our best to be a little more generous in the portions we provide to those families.”

The community has come together to support the local food pantry such as the Graham High School Key Club running their annual food drive earlier than typically held in November to address the increased demand. 

“Our community has been incredible. Local groups and individuals have organized food drives, collected our most-needed items and helped keep our shelves stocked when we’ve needed it most,” Petersen said. “Graham and the surrounding county have some of the biggest hearts—you can always count on them to step up when help is needed.”

The food pantry is collecting Thanksgiving and Christmas meal items such as stuffing, boxed potatoes, frozen pies and other holiday meal prep items. 

Additionally, the organization is seeking canned meats and cereal.

“Monetary donations are always appreciated and can be made by mail, in person at our office, or online through PayPal,” Petersen said. “Shopping at our charitable resale store, The Nifty Thrifty, is another great way to help. All proceeds go directly toward supporting the Food Pantry and our other community programs.”

The food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Graham Crisis Center office at 601 Indiana St. 

“To become a client, individuals can visit during open hours to complete a simple intake form (and) our food pantry manager, Stormy Hardin, will walk them through the process,” Petersen said.

The crisis center director said the food pantry is a crucial facility to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry.

“It’s a place where neighbors can support neighbors—where people can find not just food, but kindness, understanding, and hope,” Petersen said. “Especially during challenging economic times, it’s vital that we continue to have a resource like this for families and individuals in need.”