LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Salvation Army of Southern Nevada is preparing for increased demand at its food services as SNAP benefit recipients face delays in receiving their monthly assistance.
The organization said people in need are feeling nervous as the delay in SNAP benefits continues. Some reports indicate it could take two weeks or longer for debit cards to finally reload, and when they do, recipients won’t receive the full amount.
Major Kyle Smith said it’s a grim reality some people are just beginning to grasp.
“I think people who may come occasionally and are really worried, and like, man, I really need to make sure I get some food because if I can’t get it how I normally get it through SNAP, maybe I need to get to the food bank. But what if somebody beats me? Which is a fair issue, you know,” Smith said.
Smith said the Salvation Army was already feeding between 300 and 400 people during its daily community meal, but staff are preparing to feed even more. The organization will also open its Henderson food bank for longer hours on more days to feed even more people. The pantry at 830 E. Lake Mead Drive is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Smith said as the community heads into the holiday season, this is a tough time for families that are trying to think of doing something special.
“Now they’re just trying to survive,” Smith said.
How the public can help
Smith said the public can help in different ways. People can help their neighbors if they’re hungry by giving them food or bringing them over for a meal.
“But, you know, we’re saying if you’re at a company and you guys want to do a food drive and just give us a call and we’d be more than happy to come and pick up that food and take it back to our food bank,” Smith said.
People can also go online to find the Salvation Army’s website and donate online.
“That would be fantastic. You designate it specifically for food and we’ll make sure it gets there,” Smith said.
Smith said the Salvation Army could always use donations of food and funds.
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