Thank You for Supporting Neighbors like Lameila During the Government Shutdown

North Texas Food Bank and its agency network hosted special distributions and provided additional food to ensure those impacted by delayed federal wages or SNAP benefits had access to meals.

Lameila never thought she’d have to visit a food pantry.

A mom of three who works full-time at a daycare, Lameila said her hours were cut in November because her daycare serves several parents who work for the federal government. When they were furloughed, many of those parents kept their kids at home, which meant the daycare didn’t need as many teachers on-site. On top of that, Lameila received a notification that her SNAP benefits would be delayed because of the shutdown. With lower income in November and a delay in benefits, she realized she was going to need help to have enough for her kids.

“I never thought I would need to visit a pantry, but this helps me out so much,” she shared. “Thank you.”

Lameila visited a special distribution hosted at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand and shopped for canned goods, pantry staples, produce, meat and other items that she said her kids will enjoy.

Standing by their car after the distribution, Lameila let her sons pick out a snack and said they are grateful help was available when they needed it.

“Thank you so much,” she said.

The distribution was one of more than a dozen special events hosted by NTFB and its partners during the government shutdown that began in October and lasted until November 13. Several additional agency partners also received extra food to ensure they had enough to meet the increased demand they saw during regular pantry hours.

“If we didn’t come here, we wouldn’t be eating,” says Lori, who visited Metrocrest Services along with her husband Martin. The two receive a small amount in SNAP benefits but said every little bit makes a difference, so the delay had an impact.

“It’s a big blessing,” added Martin.