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Foundation Deploys $100,000 in Additional Funds for Food Security
As the federal government shutdown continues, mounting pressure on local food systems in Barnstable County threatens to impact food security across Cape Cod. In response, this week The Cape Cod Foundation is directing over $100,000 in additional funds to bolster regional efforts to ensure food remains accessible to those most affected.
With potential disruptions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, local food providers are experiencing a surge in need among residents already struggling to afford basic groceries. Although we anticipate a partial response at the government level, we want to bring attention to the current and ongoing need.
Food security is not a new issue, but the SNAP program pause has drawn increased attention and much needed support. We've already distributed over $160,000 in discretionary and donor-advised
funding to food-related programs this year. Over the past few days, many donors have asked what they can do to help, and we're mobilizing resources.
While many Cape Cod individuals rely on SNAP benefits, Cape Cod food pantry clients are
often not eligible for SNAP. They may be experiencing challenges due to the high cost of
living on Cape Cod and/or other economic conditions or hardships. Local food banks, pantries,
and meal sites are seeing dramatic spikes in demand, both from existing families and new enrollments. Seniors, homebound adults, children, and families are among the hardest hit, and smaller food pantries, which may not have resources to purchase and store food at increased levels, are also being significantly impacted.
Having flexible resources allows us to be nimble and strategic. In addition to the $100,000 in funding released this week, we are exploring other ways to help meet immediate needs and build capacity to support the food system on Cape Cod now and in the future.
If you are interested in supporting food organizations on Cape Cod, we encourage you to give directly to one of organizations listed in the Food Resource Guide on the Barnstable County Regional Government's website, capecod.gov.
We will continue to share community updates and Foundation initiatives.
Kristin O’Malley
President and CEO
508.790.3040, Ext 115
komalley@capecodfoundation.org
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