As the federal government shutdown continues to threaten food safety net programs like SNAP and WIC, SOS has partnered with Emporia’s Walmart for a food drive Saturday.
Donations will be accepted from 10 am to 3 pm at both store entrances. SOS Community Relations Coordinator Hannah Crowl says numerous items are welcome, including canned meats, veggies and fruits; pasta items; canned sauces; rice; peanut butter; shelf-stable milk; cereals; and condiments. Residents are also asked to buy and donate gift cards so families can get perishable food items.
Crowl says residents who want to help but can’t participate Saturday can donate online at soskansas.com/donate and earmark gifts by selecting “this is an honor or memorial gift” and then typing in “food drive.”
Crowl says many families served by SOS are facing a month without benefits through these federal programs at a time when they already have high stress and challenge levels because of the upcoming holidays.
