Crosslines, an outreach service of Council of Churches of the Ozarks, is currently serving an average of 108 families per day this month.
The USDA has announced that SNAP recipients will receive both their January and February benefits by January 20, with no guarantee of benefits in March.
Due to the mission of Council of Churches of the Ozarks, to provide compassionate services to our most vulnerable neighbors in need, Crosslines embraces a responsibility to gear up to handle the influx of families that may need additional help.
According to the USDA, over 35,000 people in Greene County receive SNAP benefits each month.
New applications are being accepted, but the Department of Social Services is not guaranteeing eligible applicants will receive SNAP benefits while the partial federal shutdown is in effect.
Crosslines estimates that SNAP benefits have an economic impact in Greene County of more than $4 Million per month.
“We are already receiving calls from families who are worried what happens when their SNAP benefits run out. In addition new SNAP applications are still being submitted by families in need of assistance. We have to be prepared to take on the additional need,” said Tom Faulkner, Director of Crosslines.
Beginning February 1, Crosslines will allow families with a SNAP benefit card and those awaiting SNAP benefit approval to visit the food pantry twice per month (must have 1 week in-between visits) until SNAP benefits resume.
SNAP recipients will need to bring proof of Snap Benefits, such as their SNAP Benefits Card.
Thanks to a partnership with the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, Crosslines will also be offering additional diapers for families that need them.
How You Can Help
Donate at Crosslines.org to help with the additional expenses that will incur. Thanks to local wholesale food partnerships $5.55 can provide 12 meals at the Crosslines Food Pantry.
Donate baby formula to Crosslines.
Host a food drive.
Volunteer by calling 417-865-1076.
Drop off times:
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM-1:45 PM front door of Crosslines
If you need to drop off items at a different time, donations can be taken to our East “Delivery Entrance” until 4:30 PM on weekdays. Please call ahead (417-865-5810) to schedule a drop off time.
