Dear friends,
Earlier this week, the federal government voted to end the shutdown and restore SNAP benefits for families through next September. This is worth celebrating—especially during the holidays, when no neighbor should have to wonder if they’ll have healthy food on the table.
In these last few weeks of uncertainty, one thing became absolutely clear: our community shows up. When the SNAP pause was announced, neighbors immediately stepped into action—dropping off food, giving generously, filling volunteer shifts, and reaching out with care for families who suddenly faced a frightening gap.
Our community’s generosity meant that we could be a source of steady support, expanding in the ways families needed us most:
Growing our food capacity: expanding food orders, increasing cooler space with our partners at Kid’s Food Basket, and keeping our shelves stocked with generous donations and dozens of food drives from so many generous community members.
Growing our people power: new and regular volunteers stepping into extra shifts to keep Food Club running smoothly (31% growth in volunteerism!), and expanded staffing to make sure we were ready to serve all who turned to us.
Growing our service: From November 1 through the reopening vote on the 12th, Food Club welcomed 2,546 family shopping visits in just 10 days of service - hundreds more than we normally would. Current and former guests called on us in this season, and nearly 100 new families turned to our Food Club for the first time. This was two consecutive weeks of significant service growth, with more food getting to more people—including an 87% increase in the amount of fresh vegetables going home with our guests.
We were built for times like these, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together. We are so grateful for your trust—and the ways you lean in when we, and our neighbors, most need it. Thank you.
We’re deeply grateful SNAP benefits have resumed, relieving what could have grown into an overwhelming level of need. Because of the way SNAP benefits are issued, we knew that every day of delay meant need would ratchet up even further—as more families reached their monthly reload date and found their benefits missing.
SNAP is back, and we’re celebrating! But, we also know that our work isn’t over. Many neighbors who count on SNAP are feeling uncertain and discouraged, and anxiety about the precarity of vital programs is very real. And even without the SNAP crisis, November and December are often our busiest times of the year, as the holiday season stretches already thin family budgets even further. Even before the SNAP pause, we were preparing to serve 1,800 families with extra Thanksgiving groceries—and now, after weeks of added stress and uncertainty, we know this extra support will mean the world to so many.
During times of crisis, what can matter most is knowing that you’re not alone. This Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to continue showing up for families who need us—with moments of celebration, extra support, healthy holiday food (and turkeys!), and a reminder that their community is with them.
When people turn to us, we are there—as an expression of our community’s compassion. Thank you for powering this work, and for believing in the worth, dignity, and value of each of our neighbors.
Gratefully,
Scott Rumpsa | CEO
P.S. - For over 50 years, Community Action House has been there for families in the make-or-break moments. Your continued support means that through seasons of change, we remain a steady presence. This season, every $40 can provide healthy Thanksgiving groceries for a family in our community.
