Boots On the Ground Steps for November–December

Many families across the country rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to keep food on the table. When benefits are cut, delayed, or reduced — as is expected in November and December — those families often turn to their local churches for help.

What many parishioners may not realize is how deeply this will impact people they know. People often don’t talk about being on food assistance. It would be best to prepare for a difficult time, and make access to aid as easy as possible.

This is a moment when parishes can live their mission of mercy in very tangible ways. Here’s how to prepare and respond.

1. “First Things” Parish Set-Up

Before responding directly, take time for a few quick, smart preparations:

• Form a small response team. Gather two to five parish volunteers or staff members who can coordinate efforts, communicate with local food programs, and track needs. One person should serve as point-of-contact for calls and referrals. If your parish sponsors a St. Vincent de Paul (or similar) ministry, ask if they will spearhead this initiative.
• Map and communicate local resources. List nearby food pantries, meal programs, and grocery partners. Share this list online, in bulletins, and in the parish office so anyone can find help fast.
• Start a parish emergency fund or gift-card drive. Invite parishioners to donate grocery-store gift cards or contribute to a “Hunger Response Fund” that can provide direct, flexible support for local families.

Once you have those basics, your parish is ready to respond at both individual and community levels.

2. Individual Supports: One Family at a Time

Practical ways your parish can meet immediate needs:

• Provide grocery cards or vouchers. Offer small gift cards ($25–$50) for grocery stores or discount markets. These preserve dignity and flexibility.
• Offer discreet help. Encourage those in need to contact a particular person or persons in the parish office confidentially. Maintain privacy and compassion.
• Link families to meal programs. Connect them with parish or local meal nights, soup kitchens, or school meal extensions.
• Transportation and delivery help. Organize volunteers to deliver pantry boxes or pick up groceries for people without reliable transport.
• Budget or benefits guidance. Some volunteers may help individuals connect to other assistance programs (local food banks, community assistance offices).
• Spiritual and emotional support. Food insecurity is stressful. Offer prayer partners, pastoral visits, or inclusion in parish prayer intentions.

3. Group Supports: Parish and Community Responses

For wider impact, mobilize the parish together:

• Pop-Up Food Pantry or Food Drive. Host a 1- or 2-week food drive focused on staples: canned proteins, rice, beans, and children’s snacks. Coordinate distribution days for those affected, or donate to the local/regional food shelf.
• Community Meal Nights. Offer a free or free-will-donation parish meal at Thanksgiving, and each week throughout Advent. Connect it with a prayer event after the meal, but don’t make participation in the prayer a requirement to gaining the meal. Invite anyone — parishioners and neighbors alike. Make it a place of welcome and belonging.
• “Holiday Help” Campaign. Collect Thanksgiving and Christmas meal items or grocery gift cards. Encourage parishioners to “sponsor a family” anonymously.
• Partner with local businesses. Ask local grocers or restaurants to donate surplus items, sponsor a meal, or match parish donations.
• Volunteer “buddy system.” Pair parish volunteers with families likely to be affected, ensuring someone checks in weekly to listen, deliver, or assist.
• Hunt for the community. If you live in a rural area, it is likely deer season has started. There is also duck, goose, pheasant, wild turkey, fishing, etc. season. Encourage hunters to take their animal to get butchered professionally, and once packaged and frozen, donate half (or all of it) to a local food shelf. If the local food shelf does not accept it, go to your small response team (see the first section) to offer to a family in need.

4. Keep the Goal in Perspective

Parishes cannot replace government nutrition programs — and they’re not meant to. But they can serve as the compassionate bridge between crisis and stability. When the Church acts swiftly and personally, people experience both practical relief and the peace of Christ made visible.

A little organization now — a small team, a list of local partners, a collection basket for grocery cards — will go a long way in the coming weeks. Together, we can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry this holiday season.