A highlight on local businesses donating to assist those struggling with food insecurity and where to find them.
By Gabriela Griggs
Staff Writer
In response to the national delay of SNAP benefits because of the government shutdown, many local businesses have taken it upon themselves to take action to feed their communities. Rock Hill has quickly become a host of many businesses that, in light of this delay, have decided to contribute.
Within the Mercantile, the “JackAss Cafe and Wine Bar” has announced that, “while the government is shut down, [they] believe that no child in our community should go hungry, especially those who have recently lost their SNAP benefits” on the business’s Instagram page.
“If your family has been affected, please know [that the] JackAss Cafe, located inside the Mercantile, will provide a free meal to any child who needs one. No questions asked. No forms. No judgment. Just walk in and say that you’re here for the Kids Meal Program and we’ve got you. We are all neighbors. We are all in this together. And our children deserve full bellies and big dreams,” the cafe said.
The Jackass Cafe is located within the Mercantile at 153 E White St Unit B in Rock Hill.
The Dixie Pig, a local barbeque restaurant, has established a deal that provides 2 free kids meals with every purchase of a single adult meal.
“Effective until SNAP benefits are fully restored, our Kids Eat Free deal will be available all day, every day. We love our community who have supported us for the past 10 years.” The Dixie Pig posted on their Facebook page.
The Dixie Pig is located at 2007 Celanese Rd here in Rock Hill.
Los Cantaritos, a local Mexican grill and cantina, has extended to offer food to both children and the elderly.
“This town has always shown up for small businesses like ours and my family will do our best to show up for those who may need it the most. Kids and elderly neighbors are welcome to enjoy a warm meal with us all month long. Our kids shouldn’t have to worry about problems bigger than them. They deserve joy, play and community,” Jenny from Los Cantaritos posted on the restaurants’s Facebook page at the beginning of the month.
Los Cantaritos is also hosting a donation drive, asking for contributions of “non-perishable food items at Cantaritos to help feed local families throughout the month.”
Los Cantaritos is located at 1415 Riverchase Boulevard in Rock Hill.
Outside of Rock Hill, the Charlotte Area Transit system will begin offering free rides to those who are currently facing difficulties with SNAP. From Nov. 10 to 14, there will be officials at the Charlotte Transit Center to help those affected download the right mobile pass.
Within Rock Hill, multiple food pantries are open throughout the week for those struggling with food insecurity.
Hope of Rock Hill, located at 504 Oakland Avenue, is open from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. from Monday to Thursday. Hope of Rock Hill has been assisting the community since its establishment in 1975, and prides itself on serving “thousands in Rock Hill, South Carolina by providing food and utilities to those in need.”
On Tuesdays, HOPE of Rock Hill is open from 6 to 7:30 p.m., specifically to provide assistance to those who work and may not be able to arrive during their usual, earlier operating hours.
Pilgrim’s Inn, located at 236 West Main Street in Rock Hill, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday.
“To those struggling in poverty, we represent a community that loves and cares for its own. And in the community, we are the voice of the voiceless, and a means to reach out with the touch of a gentle guiding hand to help,” the Pilgrim’s Inn posted on their website.
On the weekends, Heavenly Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 842 Cauthen Street in Rock Hill. They are also open on Fridays from 12 to 3 p.m. Their website declares their missions as consisting of “volunteer efforts [that] respect the dignity of those [they] serve and are an expression of the spiritual mission of [their] church.”
Heavenly Pantry is also accepting donations, calling for “rice and peanut butter” as the food items for the month of November.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is a federal program that provides citizens assistance in purchasing groceries. Formally known as “The Food Stamp Program,” SNAP has been a program under the United States government since 1964.
This program offers assistance to those who live below the poverty line. To qualify, one must be a part of a household whose monthly income totals below 130% of the federal poverty line.
For an individual living alone to qualify for SNAP benefits in South Carolina, they must have a gross monthly income of $1696. For each additional individual in the household, that qualification amount increases by $596.
Following the current government shutdown, the SNAP program, which operates through the U.S Department of Agriculture, has been facing problems with securing funding. Currently, only about 9 states have been able to process and issue regular SNAP benefits on time, not including South Carolina. These benefits are currently being labelled as “delayed,” rather than “cancelled,” but families are still left without the ability to pay for groceries.
While SNAP benefits are on pause, there are many ways those affected and their families can continue to feed themselves due to the generosity of many local establishments. Until then, it is up to the Supreme Court to decide on whether or not the U.S Department of Agriculture may be able to reinstate these benefits, ideally sooner rather than later.
