SALINA, KANSAS — A pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1 has raised concerns at the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. Director Karen Couch told Salina311 that demand for food aid has already been rising steadily and will likely increase further as the loss of SNAP benefits affects both recipients and charity infrastructures.
According to industry data, approximately 20% of a typical grocery store’s sales come from SNAP transactions. When benefits are paused, grocery stores anticipate lower demand and reduce orders, leading to less surplus stock that food banks often redirect and distribute.
Couch said the food bank relies heavily on rescued products, “safe to consume but need to be rotated out from the grocery stores.” She said the quantity of those rescued items will shrink once stores reduce their purchasing in response to the SNAP pause.
The budget pressure on food assistance programs is not new. In September, SNAP education funding was cut, resulting in the cancellation of cooking classes designed to teach SNAP recipients how to prepare meals at home.
The Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank is actively seeking donations and said it will rely on the community to help fill gaps created by both the program suspension and the downstream effect on surplus food availability.
For more information or to contribute, the food bank encourages interested individuals or groups to reach out directly.
CLICK HERE for information on how to donate.