NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Nearly 10% of Tennesseans could miss out on food assistance starting Saturday, Nov 1. Local churches are working to fill the need if the government shutdown continues.

Donelson Church of Christ is starting to gather more food for students and their families. Specifically, at McGavock Elementary, it is reported that about 90% of students already receive free or reduced lunch and weekend food bags.

They worry the need is about to get a lot worse as the shutdown continues. And many on SNAP benefits fear the same thing.

Esmeralda Montiel is a single mother of her 5-year-old daughter. She said they have fought hard for what they do have. But it is hard to ignore what they still need.

"We face a lot of challenges," she said. "And I'm still overcoming, obviously, more challenges."

After multiple surgeries and a knee replacement at the beginning of October, Montiel cannot work to put food on their table. She is on SNAP benefits.

“The disabled, children, those who can't work, the elderly, it's going to affect them pretty badly if we don't come together and do something about it,” she said.

At Donelson Church of Christ, Children's Minister Abby Carter has started filling the need with carts full of food.

“This particular food drive is going to go to McGavock Elementary,” Carter said. “We are going to make sure that the food pantry there is stocked.”

They are starting with helping out the 90% of elementary students who need food at McGavock.

“Then we will put any extra things that we get and have over at our help center across the street,” Carter said. “It is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it is on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.”

The help center is open to everyone, and so are the Wednesday dinners at the church, which are served at 5:30 p.m. in their gym.

“The Wednesday night dinners, we would love to have to pull out as many tables as we have to make sure people have a place to sit,” she said.

Carter understands food anxiety after experiencing it as a child. And she hopes the Donelson Church of Christ can be part of the change. Something Esmeralda is also hoping and praying for.

“If you can help, do so because this country is going to need it,” Montiel said. “A lot of people are going to need it.”

Donelson Church of Christ is accepting food and clothing donations. Anyone can reach out to [email protected].

They are located at 2706 Old Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/as-snap-uncertainty-grows-a-donelson-church-becomes-a-lifeline/