November has historically been a busy month for local food pantries and non-profits, but demand was even higher this year as the 43-day federal government shutdown left many families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) without benefits for the first half of the month. Roxie Reinart, the Carroll-based Community of Concern Food Pantry director, says the first two weeks of November have been the busiest she can recall at their location.
Reinart adds that one longtime volunteer commented that he can’t remember being so worn out after a day at the pantry during one of the busiest times earlier this month. It was a similar situation for the region’s other food pantries. Reinart stresses the Community of Concern is a need-based pantry, so they typically don’t serve individuals who would normally qualify for SNAP. From Nov. 1 to Nov. 14, the pantry served 91 families. During the entire month of November last year, the Community of Concern served 116 families. That is a 57 percent increase in demand.
Reinart says it was remarkable to see the community step up and do whatever they could to ensure no one went without food while benefits were suspended.
Considering how the community responded at the start of November, Reinart says she is confident the Community of Concern and similar pantries will be ready to roll when demand peaks again, leading into Thanksgiving and Christmas. According to the Iowa Hunger Coalition, approximately 1,299 Carroll County residents, or about 6.37 percent of the population, are enrolled in SNAP.
