The New Life Community Alliance (NLCA) has initiated an emergency relief fund to address the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, following the recent government shutdown. The **SNAP Gap Emergency Relief Fund** aims to provide immediate assistance to families facing food insecurity due to the indefinite hold on SNAP benefits, which is scheduled to take effect on **November 1, 2023**.
“In times of crisis, we don’t wait. We act,” stated **Michael Bryant**, CEO of NLCA. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Our neighbors are bracing for empty shelves and empty stomachs. Whether or not a deal is reached in Washington, the threat has already deepened food insecurity for thousands. We’re here to stand in the gap.”
Food distribution services will be available from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 12:00, and Saturday from 09:30 to 11:30 at **New Life Community Alliance**, located at **3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur, Georgia**. As South DeKalb’s largest food pantry, NLCA has been a reliable partner in food relief efforts for over **23 years**. In **2024** alone, the organization reported distributing more than **890,000 pounds of food**, serving over **66,000 meals** to more than **64,000 individuals**, including seniors, children, and working adults.
The community is encouraged to support NLCA’s Fill the SNAP Gap initiative through financial contributions or by donating non-perishable food items. Financial donations directly fund food purchases and help expand distribution efforts. Food donations can be dropped off at NLCA’s Administration Building in Decatur.
On **November 3, 2023**, NLCA will also inaugurate its newly expanded commercial kitchen, which will significantly enhance its meal production capacity. The upgrade will increase meal output from **300-400 per week** to more than **800**, further bolstering its capacity to serve the community.
“It’s bittersweet to open our new kitchen during a moment like this,” noted Bryant. “We built it for long-term community need – and now, that need is knocking louder than ever.”
As the situation continues to unfold, the New Life Community Alliance remains committed to providing essential food relief to those affected by the impending SNAP benefit suspension. Through community support and proactive measures, NLCA aims to mitigate the impacts of this crisis on vulnerable families in the region.
