Montgomery Baker Opens Pantry to Help Families Affected by SNAP Cutoff
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its 32nd day, millions of Americans have lost access to SNAP benefits — and the uncertainty has left many struggling to put food on the table.
While two federal judges have ordered the government to use emergency funds to provide at least partial food stamp benefits, those rulings have yet to bring relief to many families.
Here in Montgomery, one small business owner is stepping in to help.
Maegan Thompson, owner of The Bad Batch, a local bakery, has transformed part of her business into an in-home pantry to help feed people in the River Region affected by the loss of SNAP benefits.
Thompson repurposed lockers and coolers to hold food for distribution and has been collecting donations from the community. She’s accepting snacks, canned goods, dry foods, hygiene products, toiletries, baby items and bottled water.
“I’m a mom of three, and the thought of not being able to feed my kids is something that’s really scary,” Thompson said. “I’ve been in the spot where I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to feed my oldest before. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot, but we always had something to give. If the table’s not big enough, you just build a bigger table.”
Donations can be sent by emailing badbatchbaker@gmail.com. Monetary donations can be made through Venmo or Cash App to $badbatchbaker.
