NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Nashville Volunteer Week has kicked off, and there are plenty of ways you can give back to the community while it's happening.

The week is hosted by Hands On Nashville, a nonprofit organization that connects people to ways to serve the community, from helping the unhoused to picking up litter around town, and more.

Now until the end of the week, Hands On is encouraging everyone to get involved in some type of volunteer work.

Right now, organizers said food banks are in the most need as food insecurity grows as the government shutdown rolls on.

"Our nonprofit partners, many of them are in the food security space, and you can find something happening every day that is either delivering meals, cooking meals, sorting donations in a food pantry, handing them out at a food bank, to helping shoppers get the food that they need," HON Director of Corporate Engagement May Martin told News 2.

Food insecurity is also top of mind this week as around 700,000 Tennesseans prepare to lose their SNAP benefits in November due to the ongoing shutdown.

The benefits are set to lapse in November, putting thousands of Tennesseans at risk of going hungry next month. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced last week Tennesseans should prepare to see a delay in their benefits. State Democrats called on the governor to utilize some of the state's Rainy Day Fund to cover the gaps in coverage, but the governor resisted that request.

Congress has a responsibility to fund the federal government, and as Governor Lee has said, it’s disappointing that Democrats have chosen not to reopen it. While the Lee administration continues working with federal agencies to mitigate the impact of a shutdown on hardworking Tennesseans, SNAP is federally funded and operated, and without those federal dollars, the state cannot provide the benefits.

The Governor shares the frustration of Tennesseans who will be impacted by this temporary lapse, and sincerely hopes Democrats will choose to put the American people ahead of politics

Statement sent to News 2 from Gov. Bill Lee's Office

To be connected to a volunteer opportunity with Hands On Nashville, click HERE.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/hands-on-nashville-food-insecurity-amid-snap-changes/