On November 1, 42 million recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will abruptly lose their benefits.
As the government assistance comes to an end, communities across the country are banding together to protect their neighbors.
In Portland, Oregon Heretic Coffee is offering “free SNAP breakfast” to anyone who asks — and they’ve raised over $184,000 in donations to keep that program running.
Over in Phoenix, Arizona the dumpling shop Lovebite is serving free lunch to anyone with an EBT or SNAP card for the first week of November.
And this weekend in Atlanta, the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is set to serve food to 2,000 people, including both furloughed workers and those losing their SNAP benefits.
Mutual aid programs like these are coming at a critical time, especially with the holiday season on the horizon.
And on the same day that SNAP benefits stop, the Union Station Homeless Services is joining with streaming platform Bigo Live to kick off a month-long initiative that ensures families in need won’t go hungry this Thanksgiving.
From November 1 through November 27, the Grateful Streams campaign is set to raise $15,000 to support Union Station Homeless Services as they serve individuals experiencing homelessness this holiday season.
“At Bigo Live, we believe livestreaming is more than just a connection. It’s revolutionary to how communities can support each other. We’re honored to kick off this initiative and bring people together in support of a good cause,” Lynette Yang, vice president of Bigo Live, said in a press release.
“Grateful Streams will empower our creators and global audience with a shared mission of spreading gratitude, giving back, and making the holidays brighter for those who need it most.”
Viewers can support the campaign by watching livestreams by creators like Carlos (@carlos.manuelx), Rex (@bikeliferex), BeautDee and The Bund Family (@Beautiishername1), and participating in an in-platform Thanksgiving-themed “gifting system.”
Each digital gift translates to a real Thanksgiving meal provided by Union Station Homeless Services.
One of the participating creators, Moses Cox, said that livestreaming was all about connection.
“This campaign is a chance to show how that connection can spark generosity and real change,” said Cox (also known as @slowwmoee).
For over 50 years, Union Station Homeless Services has been the largest social services provider in the San Gabriel Valley.
In addition to feeding the community, the nonprofit also provides mental health services, substance abuse counseling, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. Their mission is built on the belief that housing is a human right.
“Every meal donated through Grateful Streams directly impacts individuals and families working toward stability and independence,” said Katie Hill, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services.
Every November, Union Station Homeless Services hosts a Dinner in the Park celebration, which serves hot meals to thousands of community members in need.
This year, they hope to carve up 750 turkeys.
“The cost of food prices alone has created a tremendous strain for many across the country, especially those who are reliant on SNAP benefits that have been threatened or discontinued,” Hill said.
“With the rollback of these essential benefits, we are anticipating a 300% increase in food pantry boxes. Last year, we served over 6,000 Thanksgiving meals — that number may double this year.”
Hill went on to say that the loss of SNAP support isn’t something that just affects individual households.
“It increases food insecurity for entire neighborhoods and communities,” Hill urged. “We need everyone’s help to make sure that no plate is left empty this Thanksgiving.”
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Header image via Union Station Homeless Services
