As you may have heard, Arkansas is facing the reality that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits could be delayed starting November 1st for thousands in our state because of the ongoing government shutdown. What does this mean?

Families qualify for SNAP when they’re struggling financially and need assistance meeting one of the most basic human needs - food. Moms, dads, children, and grandparents are facing the reality that they won’t have the means to get groceries next week. It’s a bleak and scary reality.

Here at Family Network, we’ve already seen the ripple effects of the shutdown. As families are having to stretch limited dollars even further to cover food, it means less available cash for other necessities. For families of young children, one of those necessities is diapers.

In the past couple of weeks, 6 of our largest partners that distribute diapers have reached out to us begging for more to meet the growing demand. These partners already distribute to 100 children a month each, and in the past couple of weeks, they’re telling us that they run out of their entire supply of diapers within 1-2 days.

They can’t keep up.

They’re having to turn moms, dads, and grandparents away without a clean diaper for their child.

As government safety net programs for families are put on pause, it’s the nonprofits and the community members that are compelled to step up to take care of the most vulnerable.

Please consider continuing to support Family Network with your time and funds so we can rise to the challenge to meet this increase in need here in our community. We’re stronger together.

We’re so thankful for you!

Audrey Zavaleta

Executive Director