Local agencies and residents are working together to help residents impacted by the timing of SNAP benefits. Community Action Partnership’s Liz Sanborn said the need at the community's food bank has already increased slightly as some families prepare for the unknown. 

“We’ve seen a small increase in people stopping by,” Sanborn said. “Some moms have said, ‘I decided to come get a food box now, just in case.’ We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we’re here to help.” 

Community Action Partnership offers a wide variety of programs designed to help community members who are experiencing poverty gain increased stability, including nutrition services, energy assistance, homelessness prevention, and information and referrals to other community-based programs. 

Officials say that approximately 80 percent of CAP’s funding comes from federal sources. So far, those funds remain available, but the longer a federal shutdown continues, the greater the possibility that contingency plans could be needed to temporarily reduce or suspend some services until funding is restored. 

Fall is often a difficult season for families experiencing poverty. The costs of back-to-school expenses, colder weather and upcoming holidays can strain budgets that are already stretched thin. CAP Officials said the added uncertainty surrounding federal benefits compounds that stress, making local resources and community support especially important this time of year. 

Many of the people CAP assists are elderly and living on fixed incomes, disabled, or families with children whose parents are working hard to make ends meet, Officials said. They added that CAP food banks in Bonners Ferry, Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg, St. Maries and Lewiston are already seeing a surge of people concerned about the loss of SNAP benefits for November and potentially beyond. 

CAP food banks can use all kinds of dry goods, boxed dinners, canned goods and breakfast items.  

“Anything you feed your own family can be used by CAP food bank programs to meet increasing needs for nutrition assistance,” Officials said. CAP can also purchase bulk foods with monetary donations, which are welcomed as well. 

For now, Sanborn said operations remain steady.  

“We’re open, we’re serving, and we’re here,” she added. 

Helping is the community’s overwhelming generosity. In a week’s time, Sanborn said nine different groups or individuals have come to offer help. 

“This county never ceases to amaze me,” she said. 

Boundary County School District continues participation in the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows all children enrolled to receive free breakfast and lunch at Valley View, Naples and Mount Hall elementary schools, Boundary County Middle School and Bonners Ferry High School. 

Although the program is federally funded, BCSD Superintendent Jan Bayer said that there are enough available funds at state level to maintain the program for the current school year. The district receives monthly updates and the issue is one the district is keeping an eye on. 

Another vital resource, Hope House of Boundary County, continues to offer food, clothing, hygiene and household essentials to individuals and families in need. Hope House also accepts monetary contributions to fill gaps for items not covered by SNAP benefits, such as diapers, toiletries and cleaning supplies. To request assistance, visit www.thehopehouse.us/request-assistance. In urgent situations, residents may call Eli and Anna Pine at 208-946-9947. 

As the holidays approach, area residents and organizations are hosting Community Giving Day to provide free Thanksgiving meal kits to 150 families. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Mountain Springs Church, 6789 Main St., Bonners Ferry. Last year, 100 families received meals; this year’s goal is higher, with a goal of 150 families.  

Residents may sign up in advance at the CAP office, 6665 Main St. in Bonners Ferry. Donations are accepted at Chapa Chicken Ranch, Mountain West Bank, and P1FCU, or by contacting event coordinator Samantha Banuet at 208-889-1493 or [email protected].  

“Every year, this community comes together in incredible ways,” Banuet said. “It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful people are when it comes to serving those in need.”  

Other community programs continue to make a difference year-round. Soup’s On, held Fridays at the South Boundary Fire Protection District in Naples from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., offers a free lunch through the end of March.  Shepherd’s Table, a monthly dinner at the Limitless Outpost, 6690 Main St. in Bonners Ferry, provides a fine-dining-style meal for individuals and families. The next dinner will be Sunday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. 

All of these programs welcome donations, from food and supplies to financial contributions. The CAP food bank is especially in need of basic pantry staples such as cereal and oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, skillet meals, canned chili, beans, vegetables, fruit and soup, spaghetti sauce and noodles, tuna, ramen, and macaroni and cheese. 

Personal care and household items are also greatly appreciated, including shampoo and conditioner, bar soap and body wash, deodorant, razors, laundry and dish soap, toilet paper and tissues. 

As the nation waits for clarity on benefit schedules, local agencies are choosing to prepare, not panic. “We don’t want to create fear,” Sanborn said. “We just want people to know that we’re here, and we’ll get through this together.”