HELP FEED FAMILIES AFFECTED BY SNAP CUTS
At the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, our mission has always been simple at heart: to fill the gaps for kids and families - to step in when others can't. Whether it's swim lessons in the summer, individual academic tutoring or meeting basic needs, we take great pride in helping young people succeed.
Many of these needs are ongoing, and every now and then, a moment comes when the need becomes overwhelming. We are now in one of those moments.
Because of the federal funding pause, SNAP benefits - which many families depend on to put food on the table each and every week - are at risk. We are deeply grateful that the state of Vermont has stepped in to help fund these benefits. But, the state cannot expect to fulfill the entire need left by the federal action, or the immediate gap our families face. The state's current commitment only covers two weeks, and funds are not expected until November 7th - a full week later than usual.
For families we serve, the loss of funding is significant. 85% of our families rely on SNAP benefits to ensure their children have enough to eat. Losing these benefits even for the week means kids and their families will go hungry. We can't let that happen.
What we've done so far:
· In anticipation of this disruption, we have increased dinner portions many nights, also adding more protein and quality ingredients to help meet kids' needs.
· Today, we will be distributing $150 gift cards to each Club family. For context, a family of six receives a maximum SNAP benefit of $47 a day.
What you can do to help:
· Make a gift to the Club by credit card by clicking HERE. Please note "food" in the note section. Alternatively, you can send a check to: Boys & Girls Club of Burlington, 62 Oak Street, Burlington VT 05401. Your gift will help us provide grocery gift cards to our families.
· Purchase and send an electronic grocery gift card to greatfutures@bandgclub.org via: Hannaford Gift Card. $25 cards allow us to reach more families.
· Purchase and send electronic Costco gift card to greatfutures@bandgclub.org via: Costco Gift Card. These help us stock food for Club dinners and snacks.
We are asking for your help now to make sure the kids of our community have the food they need to be healthy, safe and successful.
Together, we can make sure every child in our community is cared for, nourished, and supported, no matter what challenges arise.
