Copyright fox2now
ST. LOUIS - Missouri's SNAP benefits are temporarily halted for November, creating uncertainty for many families. An effort is underway in St. Louis to help those impacted. Operation Food Search is teaming up with local partners to fill their trucks with enough food to help thousands make it through November. Donations are being collected through a drive-through drop-off at the foundry's roundabout, with bins filling up fast. "It's really important that people in they community come out and support people in need because 90% that people received is base of SNAP benefits with the removal of those benefits we are working to fill the snap gap and we are doing it through community support and people who are supporting with food donations and financial donations," said Kristen Wild, president and CEO at Operation Food Search. Some business owners in the area heard about the SNAP pause and wanted to lend a helping hand. "It makes me feel good," said Daniel Jensen, owner at Hello Poke. "It's giving back to the community of St. Louis." According to Wild, about 650,000 Missourians and 2 million Illinoisans rely on SNAP benefits. "The average amount that a household receives is $370. So when SNAP benefits are cut off, it's going to have a very deep problem and impact on people who rely on snap that includes households with children with seniors with those with disabilities and veterans," Wild said. Operation Food Search's emergency food drive will take place at City Foundry on Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30, during the Live Art Market Fall Encore event. There will be a drive-through drop-off operation at the roundabout off Vandeventer. Canned and boxed foods are needed along with personal care items, like tooth brushes, tooth paste and deodorant.
