United Way holds volunteer sessions to help with possible suspension of SNAP benefits

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As the government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits may be suspended in the coming weeks.

To help families who could be impacted, the United Way of Greater Joseph will hold Caring Connection volunteer sessions to prep meal kits.

"This is our response to hearing that SNAP benefits may be suspended for households in November," United Way President Kylie Strough said. "We know many households in our community are struggling because they've been going without pay if they're in a government job. There's a need for food in our community all the time."

The sessions will be held from 9-11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Basic household items will be supplied in the kits, to make meals such as tuna casserole and chicken tacos.

"We have already sourced the food items thanks to the generous donations that people have made to us year-round," Strough said. "We were able to buy in bulk, and we're going to pack 600 meal kits over the course of those two days."

For those interested in volunteering for the sessions next week, United Way has created an application on its Facebook page.