UPDATE: Here’s where to get food assistance this November

Editor’s note: This information is subject to change depending on the government shutdown and information released by the Team Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. News 40 will continue to update this story as these details change. 

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – As Kentuckians await to learn more about how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will look in November, multiple food pantries and resources have stepped up to fill any possible gaps this month.

Kentuckians are encouraged to check their EBT balance before shopping to confirm availability of funds.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Team Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services issued the following update:

“Team Kentucky filed a lawsuit that has secured a ruling that requires the federal government to fund November SNAP benefits. However, the federal government has chosen to reduce November SNAP benefits by about 50%. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is working to load November available benefits to EBT cards. Because of the federal government’s decisions, it will take more time than usual to load benefits on cards.”

What SNAP participants should know, according to the Team Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

• There may be a delay in getting your November benefits on your card.
• The amount of your November benefit will be less than usual.
• Check your balance on your EBT card before heading to the store.
• You can keep using any benefits already on your EBT card.
• This issue does not affect your eligibility for SNAP.
  • This includes benefits from the Simplified Assistance for the Elderly, or SAFE, and Elderly Simplified Application Project, or ESAP, programs.

For the latest updates on the status of SNAP benefits, click here.

Resources for those in need 

If you are in need of additional pantry resources this November, here are some local agencies that may help:

• Community Action of Southern Kentucky
• Feeding America: Find Help 

Warren County 

• House on the Hill
• Salvation Army Bowling Green
  • Fruit and Vegetable Box Distribution: Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
  • Food pantry boxes on the first Thursday of each month.
  • Community lunch on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

Barren County 

• For Glasgow-Barren County Boys and Girls Club families: click here
• Pathfinders Food Pantry
• Community Relief
• Highland Hills Community Church

Butler County 

• Morgantown Mission

Logan County 

• Concerned Citizens of Logan County
• Open Hearts Open Hands Inc.
• Muddy River Baptist Church
• Logan County Good Samaritan: this agency only assists Logan County residents.

If you would like News 40 to add to the above list of food banks, please submit that information to news@wnky.com.