Second Harvest Food Bank steps up to help families impacted by potential SNAP funding cuts

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is fully funded by the federal government.

It provides monthly food assistance to millions of Americans living at or below the poverty line. But with government funding currently in limbo, around 42 million SNAP recipients nationwide may not receive their benefits next month.

WTOC spoke to leaders at the Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia about what’s next for families who may be affected.

How will potential SNAP cuts affect Georgians

Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch says a potential disruption in SNAP benefits could affect around 1.4 million Georgians.

But she says Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is prepared to step in and help those in need.

“We’re not sure what’s going to happen with SNAP benefits, so—you know—we’re here.”

Mary Jane Crouch, THE Executive Director OF Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia says the mission is simple : “Make sure no one goes hungry.”

With the government shutdown now stretching into its fourth week, millions of Americans who rely on SNAP may not receive their benefits in November. That’s left local food banks like Second Harvest stepping up to fill the gap.

How Second Harvest is helping

Crouch explains Second Harvest acts as a “middleman”—connecting people who want to donate with organizations that serve low-income and food-insecure families.

Each year, the food bank distributes about 25 million pounds of food across South Georgia.

They partner with more than 240 nonprofit groups—including Emma’s House, Union Mission, and Manna House—to reach people in need.

Though based in Savannah, Second Harvest serves 21 counties, including Bulloch, Montgomery, and Evans, and several rural communities throughout Coastal Georgia.

“We’re here, and we are prepared to help people at risk of hunger who may not be receiving SNAP benefits,” said Crouch. “We’ll do that through our partner agencies. The goal—really and truly—is to use our resources, and theirs, to help people with whatever they need. Maybe it’s help with an electric bill, maybe it’s rent. That’s why we work so closely with other organizations—to meet those broader needs."

And it’s not just Second Harvest that’s getting ready.

WTOC caught up with Gregory Young, a cook at Old Savannah City Mission, while he was stocking up on supplies to prepare meals.

“We offer three meals a day, and we also give out emergency food boxes,” said Gregory Young. “The numbers are probably going to go up but we’re ready, as long as the food bank stays open.”

To help meet the expected demand, Crouch says Second Harvest just received a $50,000 grant from the Glenn Family Foundation. That money will go directly toward purchasing more food.

She also reminded us that working-class families are among the most impacted.

“A lot of times, once you’ve paid all your bills, you’re out of money and you don’t have anything left to buy food,” said Crouch.

So if we can help fill that gap, and take a little stress off a family, an individual, or a senior—that’s truly our mission."

Crouch says no one should feel ashamed to ask for help during this uncertain time.

She encourages anyone in need to reach out to their local food pantry or call Second Harvest directly.