For Assistance
Food Bank of West Central Texas
www.fbwct.org 
www.militarymeals.org
325-695-6311

Meals on Wheels Plus
http://www.mealsonwheelsplus.com
325-672-5050

By Loretta Fulton

Local food distribution agencies have not been affected yet by the government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

Meals on Wheels Plus and the Food Bank of West Central Texas continue to operate with no disruption in funding, but both are concerned about a prolonged shutdown. 

“Currently, USDA emergency food programs are still funded and deliveries are continuing as scheduled,” a news release from the Food Bank stated. “SNAP (food assistance) benefits for October were distributed in full, but the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has cautioned that November benefits could be delayed if the shutdown continues.” 

Betty Bradley, executive director of Meals on Wheels Plus, said the shutdown has not affected her agency thus far. 

To date, about 2 million government workers have had their pay suspended and approximately 750,000 have been furloughed. Members of the military are still being paid, which directly affects Dyess Air Force Base personnel and their dependents. 

Brandon Forrest, CEO of the Food Bank, said in a email that a partner agency, Umoja Health, has joined with the Military Family Advisory Network to provide food boxes, shipped directly to the home, at no cost to recipients. Impacted families can request free meal resources online at militarymeals.org as long as funding remains.

Forrest also said that in addition to local food pantries, the Food Bank has nine mobile food distributions available each month in Abilene and its 13-county service area. A list of mobile food pantries is available online at FBWCT.org or by calling the food bank at 695-6311. 

“Additionally,” Forrest said, “we stand ready to provide SNAP application assistance for qualifying families.”

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene