Video above: Amid shutdown, GSP hosts food drive to support unpaid employees
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) — From donation drives for federal employees at GSP Airport to South Carolinians potentially losing SNAP benefits in November, the impacts of the federal shutdown are being felt across the Upstate.
Leaders at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen said they have experienced a noticeable increase in people stopping by for a hot meal.
“This week has been one of the busiest we’ve seen in months,” said Monica Floyd, Executive Director of the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen. Nonprofit organizers said the soup kitchen served meals to 375 people on Wednesday. Usually, the organization feeds an average of 300 people per day.
“We know the shutdown and delays in benefits are creating added stress for many families,” Floyd continued. “No one in our community should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from — and we’re here to make sure they don’t.”
With the increase in visitors comes a strain on resources.
“We’ll continue to make sure that anyone who needs a warm, nutritious meal has one waiting for them,” said Charlie Hodge, Chairman of the Board of Directors the soup kitchen. “But we can’t do it alone — the generosity of this community is what keeps our doors open and our kitchen running.”
Federal shutdown has South Carolinians concerned
Employees with Loaves & Fishes in Greenville said they have also encountered issues keeping food pantry shelves stocked.
“For the first time in our organization’s memory, we have seen local food pantries’ shelves going bare beginning in September,” said Daneen Schatzle with the organization. “Winter has not even arrived.”
Every day, the nonprofit receives unsold, mislabeled and surplus food items, delivering them to 125 partner agencies who ensure the food goes to families in need.
“Increased grocery, utility, and rent costs combined with the loss of critical government programs mean it’s up to all of us to pull together and provide a food security safety net for our neighbors in need,” Schatzle continued.
Coordinators ask that people consider hosting a food drive or donate to Fish & Loaves to help keep food banks stocked.
The Spartanburg Soup Kitchen runs entirely off of donations. Anyone interested in donating to the organization can learn more on the soup kitchen’s website.
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