By Roya Porshahidy
The Scene staff
Members of the Forest Park Human Services Outreach Club were planning to sponsor a food drive to help students put food on their Thanksgiving tables.
Then the federal government shut down, causing hardship for many people. So club members didn’t want to pressure students to donate food that they may need themselves. Instead, they’re opting to volunteer at a local food pantry.
“People are facing real challenges because lawmakers chose not to fund SNAP the way they should have,” said club President Jessica Jakul.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides vouchers (formerly known as “food stamps”) for people to buy food and other necessities.
Club members will be volunteering from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at St. Augustine Wellston Center, 1705 Keinlen Ave. The center operates a food pantry and thrift store that serve some of the most underserved areas in the St. Louis region, including the 63112, 63133, 63121, and 63120 ZIP codes.
The Human Services Outreach Club was inactive for a couple of years before reactivating this semester. Members are renewing their commitment to community service and social justice.
“We started back up right after midterms,” Jakul said. “Our goal is to jump in wherever help is needed and do as many service projects as we can.”
According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, SNAP benefits were suspended on Nov. 1, with no projected date for reinstatement as of press time. A press release from Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office on Oct. 23 reported that 667,000 Missourians are being affected by it.
Human Services Outreach Club members not only hated to ask students to donate food, they wanted to take a more direct and empathetic approach to helping with the crisis.
“We realized that many of our own students might be dealing with the loss of benefits or struggling financially,” Jakul said. “Instead of asking for donations, we decided to donate our time.”
Club members will assist in the Wellston Center’s food pantry — stocking shelves, sorting goods and helping distribute food to local residents.
The club is seeking new members who want to be involved in similar outreach projects throughout the year. “We want this to be just the beginning,” Jakul said. “Our club plans to take on as many service projects as possible throughout the year, and we’d love to see more students get involved.
“Students interested in joining the club or learning about upcoming volunteer opportunities can contact Jakul at jjakul3@my.stlcc.edu.