LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Confusion over federal food assistance has left thousands of Kentucky families unsure how they’ll afford groceries this month.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday morning on his Truth Social account that SNAP payments would not be issued until the government shutdown ends. But hours later, his press secretary clarified that the administration will follow a court order requiring at least partial payments.
As those benefits hang in the balance, Louisville community organizations are moving quickly to help feed families in need.
At Dare to Care's warehouse on Fern Valley Road Tuesday, volunteers and workers loaded trucks and distributed emergency food boxes.
"You took their food stamps — that was for the month. I can only feed them for the day," said Glennis Smith, a local volunteer helping distribute meals. "This is not right. Even if you don't feel like that you need to feed grown people, you need to feed these kids."
The growing uncertainty has put extra strain on Dare to Care’s pantry shelves, some of which are already empty.
"I’m seeing fear," said Vincent James, president and CEO of Dare to Care. "That’s what hurts me — when I see a father coming here with pride -- he works every day, but he still can’t afford to feed his family."
Concerned neighbors are also stepping up.
"If we can help, we want to help as much as we can," said Kimberly Jansing, who dropped off food donations Tuesday morning.
To help meet the growing need, JCPS announced a districtwide food and fundraiser in partnership with Dare to Care.
"Today I'm announcing that JCPS is partnering with Dare to Care to launch a massive districtwide food and fund drive," Yearwood said.
Now people can drop off food donations at any JCPS school, as well as the Vanhoose Education Center, the Stober Building and the CB Young Science Center.
"This effort will help us stock local pantries and ensure that families don’t have to face the impossible choice between food and other essential costs," Yearwood said before putting out a plea to the community.
"For parents and neighbors who can afford to donate, if you can afford to do it, please do so," Yearwood said. "But when you sit around the dinner table and you're talking to your child about this, let them know that that they're bringing that jar of peanut butter or that box of cereal to school for a purpose."
Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said local efforts highlight the depth of the problem.
"Our schools — already underfunded, understaffed and undervalued — are doing more than the most powerful government in the world," Coleman said. "There is something seriously wrong with that."
Roughly 67,000 families in Jefferson and surrounding counties rely on SNAP benefits each month. Even if the administration fulfills partial payments under the court order, local leaders warn that won’t be enough to meet the growing need.
For now, community food drives and neighborhood donations are keeping families fed — at least for another day.
CLICK HERE to make a monetary donation to Dare to Care.
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