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Guam has seen a surge in the number of families and individuals coming to The Salvation Army food pantry for basic supplies and services as the federal government shutdown continues to ripple through the island, Salvation Army Guam Corps officer Major Eric Tumale said. Salvation Army's food bank relies on a combination of private donations like those from Quality Distributors and the federal funded-The Emergency Food Assistance Program, TEFAP. The Trump White House in late March slashed $500 million that had already been allocated to food aid nationwide through TEFAP, according to a report from ProPublica. In the past few weeks, the impacts of the limited TEFAP and the federal government shutdown are being felt. Tumale said the Salvation Army food pantry could run out of food supplies within a month or two if the trend of having about 30 "new" clients visiting during the Wednesday food pantries continues, as seen in the past few weeks. "As of the moment, we can help up to 350 families on a monthly basis. If the need continues, then we will run out of our food supplies,” Tumale told the Pacific Daily News. The increase in families comes as federal food assistance programs that support thousands of island residents face disruptions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had informed local administering agencies nationwide that during the federal shutdown, no disbursements will be made for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, and the Women, Infants and Children, WIC, program. Nearly one in four Guam residents receives help paying for food through SNAP each month. As of April, about 36,993 residents were receiving assistance. On Friday, senators voted to give $13.1 million in unobligated excess revenue to the Department of Public Health and Social Services to pay for the November food benefits of thousands of Guam residents, giving local families some assurance amid the federal shutdown. However, uncertainty for the government shutdown continues as officials are unsure when the shutdown will end. Tumale said the Salvation Army has been relying on food donations from organizations like Quality Distributors to meet the growing demand for food assistance. The company, which donates large quantities of rice, luncheon meat, and other goods every November, has been instrumental in keeping the pantry stocked. "Those donations enable us to serve our community in a year,” Tumale said. Despite the consistent contributions, the Salvation Army food pantry is struggling to meet the heightened demand. “It’s October and entering November—those supplies are nearly exhausting, plus the multiple people coming," Tumale said. Tumale is calling on the community for help. “Because the need [for food] has been increasing…we want to get ready with the help of our community,” he said. “We would like to appeal to our community to help us fill our pantry.” He said the organization’s contingency plans include coordinating with the Salvation Army’s head office in Hawaii and appealing locally for donations. “I would try to ensure that we can fill the gap. We don’t want people to go hungry,” Tumale said. “I’m trying my best to do any form of initiatives to ensure that they will not face food insecurity.” Despite the uncertainty, Tumale said community support gives him hope. “People already reached out to us because they are regular supporters. That’s a good thing with Guam—Guam is very hospitable and family-oriented…We are very good in collaborations, family togetherness, and helping each other,” he said. Thanksgiving preparations continue Even with the federal shutdown, Salvation Army is continuing with its annual Thanksgiving luncheon, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as its main sponsor. “Thanksgiving is a time with food, with family and friends gathering together to count their blessings…During this time, there could be some uncertainty—we really don’t know—but right now, we are preparing for the annual Thanksgiving luncheon,” Tumale said. “We would like to make sure that people have decent food to share during Thanksgiving Day," he added. Tumale remains confident in the island community during this time of uncertainty. “I am certain that people in our island are thinking about their neighbors,” he said. Donations to the Salvation Army can be dropped off at #155003 Corsair Road, Tiyan, 96913. Community members interested in donating can also contact (671) 477-9866 ext. 113 or email eric.tumale@usw.salvationarmy.org.
