Food Pantries Nationwide Face Surge Amid SNAP Cuts

Food banks and pantries across the U.S. are facing increasing demand as federal funding cuts and reductions in SNAP benefits strain their resources. Organizations like the Indy Hunger Network and the Des Moines Area Religious Council report higher numbers of people seeking food assistance, especially as pandemic-era assistance programs have ended. Directors of multiple pantries note that food supply is shrinking while the need continues to grow, raising concerns about how to maintain access to healthy foods. Some local organizations, such as Shepherd's Heart in Texas, have so far managed to meet demand, but leaders acknowledge that the number of people needing help is rising. Innovative approaches, like offering self-service shopping and nutrition education, are being used to maximize limited resources and provide dignity to clients. The uncertainty around future funding and the growing gap between supply and need underscore ongoing challenges for food security nationwide.