As the Nov. 1 cutoff for food stamp benefits nears, Tulsans are turning to Facebook groups for support — and to rally others to help their neighbors make ends meet.
“We understand the struggle. The people in these groups understand,” said Lyn Colson, founder of the Tulsa Resource Hub Facebook group. “When you get into these niche groups, you can really see the heart of the community shining.”
Colson said the Tulsa Resource Hub has seen a significant increase in posts since the Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced last week that benefits issued through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would be suspended Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown.
Whether it’s providing transportation to a food pantry or ordering groceries for a family, Tulsans are helping each other in Colson’s Facebook group.
“By the community stepping up and taking out of their own pantries and giving to others, it’s going to make all the difference in the upcoming month or two,” Colson said.
Lauren Michelle Merrill, founder of the Tulsa Moms Facebook group, said there has been an outpouring of support on social media for those in need since the SNAP announcement.
“We’ve had a huge increase in people offering things,” Merrill said. “People are really stepping up to help each other.”
In addition to food and clothing items, Merrill said one mom offered venison that her husband hunted to anyone short on food.
Colson has also seen results from organizing in the Tulsa Moms group.
“These moms — they are not going to let these kids go hungry,” Colson said. “They are going to make sure that these babies are fed.”
Several moms have posted asking for help for their children — but not themselves, Merrill said.
“We’ve seen people in the group saying, ‘I don’t need anything for me, but I just want to make sure that my kids have food (…)’ because we do whatever it takes for our kids first,” Merrill said.
Colson said Tulsa Resource Hub is partnering with Select Auto Sales of Tulsa, 6305 E. 11th St., and Bixby’s Infinite Routes Auto, 15309 S. Memorial Drive, to open blessing boxes and donation sites.
“People can bring in canned foods, dry goods and can openers,” Colson said. “We’re also asking for winter hats, scarves, coats.”
Anyone who needs food or clothing can visit Select Auto Sales of Tulsa and Infinite Routes Auto during business hours, Colson said.
“I just want to keep encouraging people to step up and give from the heart. It’s the only way we’re going to get through the next month or so,” Colson said. “We need people to step up. We need our neighbors.”
Click here to read more of the Flyer’s coverage on SNAP benefits.
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