The Lincoln community came together to support its most vulnerable members this fall. During the 43-day government shutdown, when November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were cut, students and staff at Lincoln High School (LHS) and other Lincoln residents were quick to donate to the town’s food drive for SNAP beneficiaries.
SNAP benefits, or “food stamps,” provide financial assistance to 42 million lower class Americans, including 1,800 Lincoln residents.
The Town of Lincoln did not want to see residents suffer, so town administrator Philip Gould organized a food drive to help SNAP beneficiaries during the shutdown.
“As a town, we believe no one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Gould. “The food drive is a way for us to come together, fill those gaps, and remind people that Lincoln looks out for its own.”
Donations of shelf-stable food such as canned goods, cereal, rice, tuna, pasta, boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jam, crackers, and granola bars filled multiple rooms at the Lincoln town hall.
“We’re grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, or helped spread the word,” said Gould. “This is what community is all about.”
Lincoln High School also got involved in this initiative, setting up collection bins at the school and promoting the food drive in an email to students, staff, and families.
“It was a combined town and school effort just to make sure that all families were supported and making sure that people eat,” said LHS principal Mr. Kenneth Hopkins. “It was based upon the charity of others.”
The food drive was quite the success.
“Not only did we stock up our local share shacks and the Limerock Baptist Food Pantry and the Genesis Project in Manville,” said Gould, “but we made deliveries to food drives in Central Falls, Woonsocket, Smithfield, and North Providence.”
In addition, the Family Literacy Center collected other supplies that SNAP beneficiaries may need including toilet paper, paper towels, dog food, and hygiene products.
Now that SNAP benefits are back, the food drive has ended. However, SNAP beneficiaries have been heavily impacted by the delay, and it is important now more than ever to donate to local food support, such as Lincoln’s three local Share Shacks, The Genesis Project in Manville and the Limerock Baptist Food Pantry in Limerock.
Town Hall will also continue to support Lincolnites in need via their traditional holiday projects of putting together Thanksgiving dinner baskets and holiday gifts for kids. To get involved, Lincoln residents can email Peggy Weigner at [email protected] or call her at 401-333-8431.
