GA SNAP benefits to end soon. Here are ways folks in need can get food in the state

The US Department of Agriculture announced Oct 24 that all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be suspended for the month of November.

In Georgia, about 1.4 million people receive SNAP benefits, including more than 640,000 children. Recipients make up about 12% of Georgia’s population, with 78% of those at or below the poverty line, according to Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

The delay in benefits is a direct result of federal lawmakers failing to pass a budget, which has halted funding for the distribution of benefits in Georgia, leaving families who rely on these payments scrambling.

Although many Georgia residents rely on the program to feed their families daily, the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday complicates things further. However, there are resources available that can help provide food during the halt of funding.

Statewide resources

Feeding Georgia

Feeding Georgia is one of the state’s most reliable sources for families with food insecurity. Their reach includes seven regional food banks and collaboration with other organizations willing to provide relief.

Member food banks:

• Food bank of Northeast Georgia
• Chattanooga Area Food Bank
• Atlanta Community Food Bank
• Georgia Mountain Food Bank
• Feeding the Valley Food bank
• Middle Georgia Community Food Bank 
• Golden Harvest Food Bank
• Second Harvest Coastal Georgia
• Feeding America Partner Food Bank.

To find a food bank near you, visit their website for more information.

Food Finder US

Food Finder provides help “anywhere in America. Any time of year.” The website exists to inform people what is available to them and how to access the resource.

You can go to their website and enter your zip code to find the closest location to you.

Local resources

Columbus has several points of assistance, and most can help with meals and essentials.

• Columbus Dream Center: Provides a variety of services, including free groceries and free meals. 4114 Oates Avenue, 31904
• The Assemble to Serve (TATS) Food Pantry: Each household receives $75 to $250 in food. on the second Tuesday of every month. 4253 St. Mary’s Road, 31907
• Muscogee County Mobile Pantry: Located in the parking lot of the Civic Center, where clients receive a box containing frozen meats, fresh produce, dairy and bakery items. Find dates near you at their website.
• Uptown Outreach Ministries: Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and Wednesday from 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm. 1024 2nd Avenue, 21901
• First Baptist Food Closet: Open every Monday and Thursday from 9:30 am until 11:30 am.
• 1214 3rd Avenue, 31901 
• St. Anne Community Outreach and Crisis Closet: Provides emergency groceries, rental and utility assistance and employment readiness services. 2000 Jat Circle, 31907

Assistance for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may look a lot different this year for many Georgians, but there are some solutions to help mitigate the gap.

• The Salvation Army of Columbus offers a food pantry and community meals. You can request what you need by visiting their website.
• Feeding the Valley hosts The Big Gobble from Nov 1 to Nov 27 delivering Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
• Harvest Movement Is delivering Thanksgiving meal ingredients on Nov. 12. Visit the website for details.
• Annual Thanksgiving Mobile Food Pantry: Their aim is to provide healthy foods during the holidays. The event takes place November 22 at Atlanta Technical College. 1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta GA 30310.
• Hosea Helps in Atlanta: The host a Festival of Human Services which includes a full holiday meal, barber services, clothing, healthcare, employment assistance and live entertainment. 2545 Forest Hills Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30315.
• Feeding Georgia Families Thanksgiving Meal Event where each family is given one Thanksgiving food box. Saturday November 22, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm 55 McDonough Boulevard SE, Atlanta GA 30315.

Donating to your local food bank

If you would like to help during this time, it’s best to just donate money so organizations can get food based on need and price. However, if you would like to donate food items, try to donate nutritious, shelf-stable items that do not need additional ingredients to work.

Things to donate:

• Peanut butter and jelly
• Cereal
• Whole grain bread 
• Canned beans
• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Whole grain pasta
• Brown rice 
• Soups 
• Canned tuna or salmon

This is not an exhaustive list, and some food banks will also accept personal care and household items.

Things NOT to donate:

The first thing to remember is that you shouldn’t donate anything perishable or that needs refrigeration. But there are other items as well.

• Expired, damaged or open food
• Leftovers 
• Food with packaging concerns 
• Fresh produce, dairy or meats
• Homemade foods
• Foods in glass containers
• Bulk items

If I have left off any reliable resources, please Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published October 28, 2025 at 5:30 AM.