The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has run dry as of November 1, putting approximately 42 million Americans at risk of losing access to food assistance. The program, commonly known as food stamps, provides crucial support through EBT debit cards.
- A federal judge ruled Friday that the USDA must use emergency funds to maintain SNAP operations and provide an update by Monday. The Trump administration’s response to the ruling remains unclear.
Social media users have organized an informal “grocery buddy” system to provide immediate assistance. Participants are sending gift cards and “buddy crates” filled with groceries to those affected by the funding lapse.
Escambia County
Approximately 49,000 people in Escambia County are enrolled in the SNAP, based on the U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates program for 2022. This number indicates that about 11-13% of Escambia County’s population receives SNAP assistance.
In Pensacola, Emily Ley, Beth Schweigert of Odd Colony Brewing and Veronique Zayas of HatchMark Studio have launched the Pensacola Grocery Buddies on Facebook.
Thank you for stepping up to help families in Escambia County who are losing SNAP assistance. By becoming a Grocery Buddy, you’ll either sponsor groceries for a family or join them in picking out essentials. Every act of care helps keep our community fed and connected.
- Grocery Buddy is a volunteer initiative. By participating, you agree that ROOTS and its partners are not responsible for food quality, delivery, or any outcomes of volunteer interactions. Please exercise safety and respect in all exchanges.