For weeks, KVOE has detailed the various impacts that the recently concluded Federal government shutdown has had on national and state agencies, but it wasn’t just organizations at the state level that were seeing impacts.
Locally, area churches and non-profits were seeing an increase in need for various services, namely food, thanks in part to the uncertainty that was created through the suspension of SNAP benefits. According to Sacred Heart Church Ice Food Pantry Manager Laura Knive, they were seeing anywhere from 5 to 10 additional individuals taking advantage of their food pantry alone.
Another need has been for clothing, especially for families with young children, as indicated by a record-setting turnout at Emporia’s Baby Closet located inside First Congregational Church. Pastor Ashton McDonald says that in October, the church set a record for families served in a single day, a record that was recently broken this month.
McDonald also says that in total, the closet saw over 170 visits for the entire month of October and in just three days, they had more than half of that total through their doors this month.
When asked if they are expecting a downturn in need with the shutdown concluding earlier this week, they both responded saying they’re anticipating numbers to stay consistent at least for the time being, with Knive noting the increase over the last month is just the latest spike in an upswing that’s been notable for the last few years.
McDonald says that while the end of the shutdown was a welcome development, it came at a tough time for pantries and non-profits, as the holiday season is in full swing. He adds that on top of the traditional holiday need, annual activities specific to the baby closet also often lead to an uptick in foot traffic between November and December.
McDonald says the closet is well-stocked with clothing supplies at this time; however, their food pantry can always use a boost throughout the year. As for food at the Ice Food Pantry, Knive says they are well stocked at this time; however, any donations, especially during the holiday season, are welcome and appreciated.
For more information on how you can assist, either resource contact the John and Frances Ice Food Pantry by calling 620-342-1061. To contact the Emporia Baby Closet, call 620-342-6854.
