Hardships looms for 6,000 Campbell families set to lose benefits

By SUSAN SHARP

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN. (WLAF)- If the Federal Government does not open this week, recipients of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will not receive their monthly benefits at the start of November.

In Campbell County, 6,163 people will be forced to go without those benefits. That translates into just over $1.2 million in groceries not being purchased by Campbell Countians, according to the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

In Tennessee, that means 690,629 people will not receive monthly food support. Tennessee families receive $145,802,025 in SNAP benefits each month, TDHS reports said.

Local food pantries are preparing for this, but many are struggling due to the already high need in the area.

Bread of Life in Jellico held a distribution day on Monday. It left the shelves empty, Linda Eaves said. “We were completely wiped out,” she said. Bread of Life is open for distribution on the fourth Monday of the month from 4pm to 5pm. They are open for donations from 2pm to 5pm on Tuesdays and 9am to 1pm on Thursdays. Tomorrow, Oct. 30, at 9am, a hot breakfast will be served at the 290 N. Main St. Jellico location. “We would like to do more,” Eaves said.

‘We need the community to come together,’- Terri Phillips, Open Arms Ministry

The Crazy Quilt, at Newcomb, is open Tues., Wed, and Thurs. from 8am until 3pm for food distribution. Those in need can go the 2967 Highway 297 to receive a box of food, said Ed Bryant. There is paperwork to complete and then people can leave with supplies. In the last few weeks staff at the center has noticed new recipients, he said.

At Food Life Services, they have gone from serving around 160 homes a month to 225, Charlie Ruth said. “The numbers have been increasing for the last month or so,” he said. They too need donations in order to continue serving the community. Food Life Services is at 800 E. Chestnut St., LaFollette.

On Monday, Open Arms Ministry in Jacksboro, served 214 people, said Terri Phillips. “We are stocked for the moment,” she said. They too need community donations. “People are suffering. We need the community to come together,” she said. At Open Arms Ministry nobody is judged, she said. Many of the people who come here are working two jobs and still need help, Phillips said. Open Arms Ministry is located at 1112 McGhee Lane, Jacksboro. The pantry is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am until 2:45pm for distribution.

On Saturday, Mission of Hope and Compassion Ministries Mobile Food Pantry will be at Jellico High School from 10am until noon to distribute food. Those receiving food will need to bring an ID and proof of their current address such as a utility bill. Trunks should be empty so volunteers can put the boxes in there. People are asked to pick up for no more than two families.

People with pets can also receive help. The Critter Cupboard at the Campbell County Animal Shelter is open Tues. through Sat. from noon until 5pm. The shelter is at 749 Towe String Rd., Jacksboro. They also need donations.

To be eligible for SNAP benefits “most able-bodied people between 16 and 59 years old must register for work, participate in the Employment and Training Program if offered, accept offers of employment, and cannot quit a job. Able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18 to 52 can receive only a limited number of benefit months in 3 years, unless working 80 hours per month or otherwise determined exempt from the rule,” according to the TDHS.

For more information about the SNAP program CLICK HERE.

For eligibility information CLICK HERE.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 10/29/2025-6AM- SNAP IMAGE COURTESY OF ETHRA)