The Salvation Army of Lebanon County is opening its Client Choice Pantry on Wednesday evenings for the next several weeks to help local patrons deal with the loss of SNAP benefits.
The organization announced on social media on Wednesday, Nov. 5, that its usual hours – 9 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday – “just isn’t enough right now.”
“Friends, we’ve recently seen a big seasonal increase in need, especially with the temporary loss of SNAP benefits,” the Salvation Army said in its post.
To help meet the need, the pantry at 1031 Guilford St. is adding evening hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, from Nov. 19 through Dec. 17. Organizers said they will “reassess after the holidays to see if we can continue.”
“Evening hours make it easier for families who can’t come during the day,” the message explained. “You’ll need to bring only a photo ID and your grocery bags to receive food.”
The expanded hours also “give more people a chance to volunteer,” the message noted. “If you’d like to help during these new hours, we’d love to have you join us. Every hand makes a difference.”
The ongoing federal government shutdown has halted funds to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) across the country, including the estimated 18,000 low-income Lebanon County residents who rely on the program to access healthy food.
Read More: Lebanon County food banks ‘brace for impact’ of SNAP benefit delays
The Salvation Army opened its Client Choice Pantry in September 2024, with organizers saying then they had seen firsthand the level of food insecurity in the Lebanon community and decided to be part of the solution.
Read More: Salvation Army prepares to open Client Choice Pantry to serve Lebanon County
They asked the community for donations of nonperishable canned goods, as well as pasta, rice and other grains, breakfast cereals and oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, juice, and canned meats to help stock the shelves, as well as monetary donations so the organization could buy necessary items.
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