For some residents of Hockley County, food insecurity is constant problem, and holidays can make it particularly challenging with others sharing holiday cheer and turkey dinners.
As the government shutdown lingers on, Congress has missed a key deadline that could leave millions of Texans wondering about where their next meal is coming from.
Without a resolution soon, it will become the longest shut down in history on Nov. 5.
The USDA set Oct. 27 as the deadline for the shutdown to end, or SNAP benefits will not be provided nationwide. Texas has an estimated 3.5 million people on SNAP, and nationwide, the program’s expiration is set to affect over 40,000,000 people.
Food banks all around Texas, including food distribution sites in Hockley County and the surrounding area, are bracing for an influx of Texans who would usually receive SNAP benefits. Organizations in Levelland are doing all they can to alleviate the hunger problem.
Love Levelland is accepting applications for the Christmas Adoption Program through Nov. 24 for those who may need a helping hand during the holidays. Families at or below 200 percent or are receiving SSI, Snap, TANF or Medicaid may qualify. Proof of receiving benefits with proof of Levelland residency is required.
Applications may be picked up from Hockley County Public Assistance under the library. For more information call Cara at 806894-4264 or email LoveLevellandTX@gmail.com.
Many residents and churches are doing their part to help with the hunger issue in the community. Blessing Box locations are set up around the city where people can pick up food items at the St. Paul Lutheran Church at 1905 Ave. I, First Christian Church at 311 Clubview Drive, First Presbyterian Church at 1219 8th Street, First Baptist Church at 401 Houston Street, Cactus Drive Church of Christ at 501 Cactus Drive and Second Baptist Church at 301 Cherry.
Blessing Boxes are refilled with non-perishable items regularly and free to pick up.
The South Plains Food Bank Mobile Pantry helps individuals and families in need of food assistance by submitting an application for a food box. Once the application has been processed, a confirmation text is sent with an assigned pickup day and time. The calendar is updated regularly. Pick up locations include the Whiteface city hall, the First Baptist Church in Morton, First Baptist Church in Anton, the football stadium in Ropesville, the First Baptist Church in Smyer and the Sundown Library.
For more information on the Mobile Pantry program, call 806-763-3003 or email mppartner@spfb.org.
Churches in Levelland that provide some food assistance include the Austin Street Church which offers a food pantry and prescription expense assistance for qualifying residents in Hockley County, and the First Christian Church of Levelland which distributes food boxes at specific times.
South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA), which started a program 40 years ago, is a resource for food assistance in the area. Approximately 300 boxes donated each month, so they are constantly asking for food and monetary donations.
Monetary donations are used to purchase essential items needed by the community, like baby formula. Food donations should be non-perishable food items that are shelf stable, like dry and canned goods.
If interested in getting a food box card, the application process is simple at their offices at 410 Houston Street in Levelland. Donations can be made directly to the food box during the day. To volunteer with SPCAA, contact Henry Tarango at 806-894-4560. For more information visit spcaa.org.
The Hockley County Senior Citizens Association operates a senior center that provides social services, meals, and activities to the senior residents of Hockley County. Their programs include providing home delivered and congregate meals through Title III, as well as offering a Meals on Wheels program through Title XX. For more information call 806-8942228 or visit 1202 Houston Street in Levelland.