The recent government shut down created stress for many, but that stress only intensified at the announcement of the halt of SNAP benefits. Thankfully, we did not see that occur to the maximum extent possible. However, with our standing promise to the community to be a resource in times of crisis, GRACE had to be ready.
Hundreds of groups and individuals gave generously and hundreds more volunteered to help sort, pack, and deliver food boxes. Because of this support, GRACE was able to deliver Thanksgiving groceries to over 600 households with plans to deliver another 600 or more for Christmas. Moreover, 300 households were directly referred from local ISD school counselors and were given a voucher for an emergency SNAP box filled with enough food to bridge the gap and ensure families had enough to make it through the holidays, including the weeks in-between.
In addition we had almost 700 pantry vouchers delivered allowing households in need to self-select from our pantry and fill any gaps left where there was still need.
GRACE CEO Rebecca Cox responded to the immense support saying, “Grateful doesn’t begin to cover it! Our community’s overwhelming response to our critical request truly became a movement of hope and support, reaching others who were in need exactly when and where it was needed most.”
We asked, the community answered in the way they do best. Thanks to you, we can say with certainty that no family entering GRACE in need of food this holiday season will go without!
