Food for People saw an immediate 40% increase in people accessing the food bank after SNAP delays were announced, the nonprofit’s leader told multiple local government officials in meetings this past week.
“I really only see it going farther in that direction. Pretty soon, federal changes to policy will have significant impacts on how SNAP programs are administered and who’s eligible,” executive director Carly Robbins told the board of supervisors on Tuesday.
DHHS estimated that CalFresh benefits amount to between $5.8 and $6 million a month, which are funneled into Humboldt County, feeding about 22% of the county’s residents. There are more than 30,000 residents in Humboldt County who receive food benefits through SNAP.
“These benefits not only supplement the food budgets of elderly community residents, families with children and other individuals; there are many businesses in the county that accept EBT cards and rely on this income as well,” a DHHS news release earlier this month noted.
The Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation told the Times-Standard on Friday that it is maxed out on what it can provide — its list of recipients for pre-packaged meals is full.
“Our Holiday Food Basket list is full, and we have signed up 370 individuals so far for hot meal pickup,” Betty Chinn posted on Facebook earlier this week.
Chinn said Friday that she knows how tough it is for residents right now. She stressed she wanted to help “as many as possible” with her free Thanksgiving meal and expected hundreds to come to the day center’s free meal.
With food insecurity and scarcity at the top of many people’s minds this year, here are some local places where free meals are offered during the week of Thanksgiving. We’ve also included food giveaways and organizations to contact for food assistance.
Arcata House Partnership
On Thursday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the D Street Neighborhood Center will be offering warm meals.
“In a time when food insecurity touches so many, coming together matters more than ever. Let’s share gratitude, food, and community support this holiday season,” a Facebook event page states.
Find more information at https://www.facebook.com/events/3357684201067855. Those interested in assisting with the effort can find more information at https://tinyurl.com/e4cu274p.
Black Humboldt
On Sunday, Nov. 23, Black Humboldt is offering a meal and resource distribution at the Jefferson Community Center from 4 to 8 p.m.
“Black Humboldt remains committed to uplifting and supporting our community year-round,” the organization said in a Facebook post. “The Holiday Meal Distribution is one of our most important annual events, ensuring that families have access to nutritious food, supportive resources, and a welcoming space rooted in care and connection.”
Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/3htcm54u or call Black Humboldt at 707-840-4641.
Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation
In addition to the 370 packaged meals delivered to individuals, the Betty Kwan Chinn Day Center, 133 Seventh Street in Eureka, will host a free Thanksgiving meal on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m.
Chinn said Friday that she had 500 signed up to attend, but the meal is open to all.
For more information, call 707-407-3833.
Eureka Rescue Mission
The Eureka Rescue Mission, at 110 Second Street, is offering a free Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m..
Those who want to donate or volunteer time can contact the Eureka Rescue Mission at 707-445-3787.
Food for People
Humboldt County’s food bank helps feed tens of thousands of individuals locally. Find a list of its programs at https://www.foodforpeople.org/programs. It has food pantries open during the week for income-eligible clients.
Food for People can always use a little help. To find out more about holiday donations, go to https://www.foodforpeople.org/holidays.
“Food for People is committed to expanding our services to meet increasing food insecurity and address the underlying causes of hunger and poverty in our community. However, we cannot do this without your generous support,” the nonprofit’s website states.
Food Not Bombs
Monday, Nov. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., the group is offering free Thanksgiving meals to those in need. It is located on Bayshore Way on the north side of the mall and down the road from Applebee’s. Find more information on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1336694934815695
Little Free Pantries
While not a free meal, there are Little Free Pantry locations across Humboldt County that have food supplies for those in need. Find a map of locations at https://mapping.littlefreepantry.org/
Mateel Community Center
The Garberville Veterans Association is offering a free Thanksgiving meal at the Mateel Community Center in Redway on Thursday, Nov. 27. Meals start being served at noon.
To sign up to volunteer, call Tom Pie at 707-499-3931 or Amie McCellan at 707-223-3063.
St. Vincent de Paul
The dining facility at 35 West Third Street in Eureka offers free meals Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the week of Thanksgiving, the dining facility will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 26, to prep for a big meal on Thursday, Nov. 27.
Those who want to donate or volunteer time can contact St. Vincent de Paul at 707-445-9588.
