Mid-South Food Bank prepared for government shutdown

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - The Mid-South Food Bank staff breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday when they learned that SNAP benefits will be available through February, even with a closed government.

Director of Corporate and Community Engagement Marcia Wells said they are dealing with a lot of uncertainty right now.

“There are a lot of questions about what am I going to do? What am I going to do? We just assure them that we’re here and we always will be here,” said Wells.

The Mid-South Food Bank and its 300 partner agencies are not just preparing to serve more people if the shutdown continues long enough for SNAP benefits to be affected. They are also thinking about the furloughed federal workers.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but the rest of us miss a couple of paychecks, and we’re in a bad way. So, yes we do anticipate to see an uptick in people visiting our partner agencies. Going to food pantries,” said Wells.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services is still taking applications for SNAP during the shutdown.

January is usually a slow time for donations, but the Mid-South Food Bank said it will remain open even if the government is closed.

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