Trinity Food Ministry

Why you matter. New guidelines for SNAP recipients begin Oct. 1. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, more adults need to prove they work or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month to access food benefits. These work requirements now apply to veterans, homeless individuals, young adults aging out of foster care, parents with a child between 14 and 17, and people between 55 and 64.

According to an article at NPR.org, each state will soon have to pay millions in additional costs to keep the program going. Food policy experts warn that these new costs could drive states to scale back or withdraw from SNAP. If that happens, neither food banks nor existing government programs would have the capacity to fill the gap, according to the Children's Defense Fund.

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/03/nx-s1-5906797/snap-food-stamp-federal-changes-what-to-know

Over 4 million people are no longer receiving food aid amid sweeping changes to SNAP SNAP, also known as food stamps, has seen a rapid and consistent participation decline since last July. The drop comes as the program faces historic cuts and changes.

Sam Kincade volunteered at pantry today and shared news that he is enrolled at the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry and in discernment to become a deacon!

Nurse Sharon's toolbox is getting bigger and her corner of the pantry is becoming a favorite spot for community members to get a health check. Save those hotel bottles of shampoo, etc., for the pantry!

Tuesday was a great day at the food pantry! While Chuck replenished the onions, Teddy (grandson of volunteer, Mary) readied the Ramen noodles and Vienna sausages. Donations are needed and always appreciated.

Happy 70th birthday to Operations Manager Chuck! Everyone sang a rousing rendition of "happy birthday" and our favorite pup, Gypsy Rose, even participated in the fun celebration. Pantry volunteers and community members attempted to get a jump on the impending thunderstorm but it happened nonetheless. Shawn was busy handing out large trash bags that were utilized as ponchos. Just another Thursday! Ten new families this week. Please donate!

In between the rain and the hard work, fun times at the Sunday Hot Lunch! Thank you Scott Ferguson and Holy Communion for providing the Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw and apple pie!

On Tuesday, Nurse Sharon tended to 14 individuals. They were hot, they were fragile. Let us remember to love these lives.

Urgent needs this week include peanut butter, cereal, and small size containers of flour, sugar, and vegetable oil. (Many of our community members walk to and from the food pantry.) We are grateful for your continuing donations of food and money.

See interesting article about food banks paying added costs for fuel instead of purchasing food for people.

High Gas Prices Are Squeezing America’s Food Banks The organizations that feed millions were already dealing with cuts, inflation and more people seeking help. Now the war in Iran is forcing groups to make hard choices.

Just on time delivery of garden produce from Saint Louis University's garden. In the summer months, the garden is home to a culinary camp where children learn about planting, harvesting and preparing food from the garden. Nutrition and dietetic students run the camp with help from occupational and physical therapy students, who aid any campers with disabilities.

Fresh greens, kale, turnips, etc., thanks to the gardeners at Central Reform Congregation. We love you!