Salvation Army reports increase in food, utility assistance amid shutdown

KINGSPORT— The Salvation Army of Kingsport is reporting a sharp rise in families seeking food and utility assistance as the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week.According to a news release, requests for help have jumped 50% in recent weeks, leaving local families struggling to cover basic needs while federal benefits like SNAP and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) face delays."Many of the same households that rely on SNAP benefits for food also depend on LIHEAP to heat their homes," said Captain Crystal Radi, corps officer of The Salvation Army of Kingsport in the release. "If those programs remain delayed, families could be facing the devastating choice between feeding their children or heating their homes. Our mission is to make sure no one has to make that choice — but we can only do it with the community's help."The local chapter provides emergency food boxes, daily meals from 12 to 1 p.m., and utility assistance for families in crisis.Radi said one Kingsport single mother of five recently came in for food and clothing after losing her job and missing her SNAP benefits. The organization provided groceries and a clothing voucher for the family.As the shutdown continues, The Salvation Army says its immediate focus is on meeting growing needs in the Tri-Cities while urging Congress to restore funding for critical assistance programs.Donations to support local food and utility assistance efforts can be made online at www.SalvationArmyKingsport.org or www.SalvationArmyBristol.org."The need in our community continues to grow, but so does the generosity of our neighbors," Radi said. "We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received so far, and we know this community will continue to come together to help families in need — especially as we approach the holiday season."