Locals concerned by the loss of SNAP benefits for fellow community members have stepped up to fill the shelves of the food pantry and organize other efforts to get groceries to those in need.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is affected by the government shutdown that has no clear end in sight. One of the locals leading the way to decrease the stress for families who depend on those benefits is Angie Cook. This week she made a call to action for food donations and within 2 days the banquet room of the Vernal Elks Lodge was filled with food items to organize into meal bags and pantry essentials. The goal was to build 240 ready-to-go meal bags with corresponding recipes and today the donations are ready to be picked up by families in need. “The Government might shut down,” shares Angie, “but Vernal will always take care of their own.”
Families are invited to the Elks Lodge at 35 North 300 West in Vernal from noon to 4pm today, Friday, October 31st to choose up to 3 meal kits plus limited pantry items. Those coming are asked to bring their SNAP card.
