FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County’s 211 Helpline is ready to assist residents in need with the now finished Supplemental Nutrition Assistance’s (SNAP) emergency allotments (EAs). Initially created in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began, these allotments kept an estimated 4.2 million people above the poverty line in late 2021.
United Way’s 211 Helpline stands ready to help residents fill the void by connecting them to critical local resources like free food pantries, bill assistance and more.
By selecting option one after calling 211, call specialists will direct callers to services that offer assistance with challenges related to:
- Access to food, including free food pantries.
- Free baby supplies and free feminine hygiene products
- Utility bill assistance
- Affordable housing and child care programs
- Prescription expense assistance.
- Education and job training programs
- Affordable community health clinics
An anonymous caller into the 211 Helpline recently said, “a lot of people out here are struggling for real,” they said. “The economy is ridiculous now. $100 in the store, that doesn’t mean nothing no more.”
Every household receiving the SNAP EAs will see a cut of at least $95 less per month and some households will be hit by reductions of $250 or more per month.
The end of the emergency allotment program will increase food hardship for countless individuals and families in San Antonio. Combined with recent inflation in food prices, this decrease in SNAP benefits comes at a difficult time.
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County encourages everyone impacted by this reduction in SNAP benefits to call the 211 Helpline today to discover resources that can fill the gap left by this change. The 211 Helpline uses a comprehensive database of services available in San Antonio and is open 24/7/365. It is always anonymous and completely free to use. Spanish language and line language translation options are available as well.
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About United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families, and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way.
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Categories: Press Releases |
