Across the nation, families who fear their SNAP benefits will disappear on November 1st are scrambling to meet the most basic need of all – hunger.  In GLIDE’s zip code alone, 16,663 people will be affected by these changes.  

This potential SNAP shutdown tears at the very fabric of strong, compassionate communities — and we cannot, will not, let it happen. The good news is, thanks to a historic public-private partnership between the City of San Francisco and the Crankstart Foundation, SNAP benefits will eventually be replaced for San Francisco residents for the month of November.   

But we’re still worried about the families  facing empty tables on November 1st while they navigate their access to the city’s stopgap solution.  That’s why we’re preparing to serve 600 additional meals per day if necessary during the month of November.  

This will cost GLIDE an additional $151,325– but it will ensure no one goes hungry while they struggle with navigating the changes, and it gives us flexibility if the shutdown continues into December.   

We know that about half of GLIDE’s current clients rely on SNAP– and new people will be coming to our doors who never needed our services before.  The time to donate to GLIDE and help us navigate this crisis is now – can you support us today? No child should go hungry due to a government shut down!  

Later this month, our Center for Social Justice will be holding a panel where San Francisco’s local leaders will discuss  the food emergency crisis and actions we can take as a community.  We are still selecting a date for the panel, but you can RSVP here to “Say No to SNAP Shutdown” and be notified when the date is finalized.  

Also, Dolby Laboratories has organized a non-perishable food drive to support GLIDE clients and families. These donations will be distributed directly to community members who are struggling to afford groceries. We invite other community partners to join us in ensuring San Franciscans have access to the food and care they deserve. Please reach out if you’d like to organize a food drive for GLIDE clients.    

As always, GLIDE will be providing support, assistance, and services to any who experience financial difficulty. We urge federal workers who have lost their pay due to the government shutdown to come to 330 Ellis St to take advantage of these services.  

We are moving forward because we know our community needs this– but we’re trusting all of you to give us the resources to make it happen. This is an incredibly emotional time for all of us; I can’t tell you much of a difference it makes when you open your hearts to give.  

You see, I’ve been there. When I was a young mother of three boys, I was the one who needed GLIDE’s free groceries. So my heart goes out to all those young parents who will be relying on the generosity of others to feed their kids next week. I know how it feels. My prayer is that NO ONE feels shame for seeking help. No one should feel like a failure when they’ve done nothing wrong. That’s why our Free Meals program treats people with respect and dignity, like customers in a restaurant– they deserve it. 

When you step up– when you help us distribute extra groceries and assistance– you’re making a difference to hardworking, frightened people who deserve to know where their next meal is coming from.  

Some of those people are stocking up on their pantry goods right now, preparing to weather the storm. Others won’t even know what’s happening until they swipe their SNAP card at the grocery store and the cashier looks up at them and says, “There’s a problem.” No matter what, places like GLIDE will take them in.  

The system may be failing our families, but we won’t fail them. Will you stand with us?