Worcester Youth & Family Services Lending a Hand to Those Impacted by SNAP Cuts

(BERLIN, Md) – In the wake of the ongoing cuts to SNAP Benefits, local groups like Worcester County Youth and Family Services in Berlin are taking matters into their own hands as they work to make sure the most vulnerable members of their community aren’t going hungry.

This pantry at the office of Youth and Family has been in the works for months. And they’re ready at the right time.

But as Rachel Mitchell showed us, their newest pantry, is able to help round the clock.

“So a little free pantry is great because it’s a 24/7 and discreet service for our families. So you come up, you pull up. It doesn’t matter if it’s six in the morning or nine at night. You get the food and you’re able to do so without some of the shame that we see from some of our families,” says Rachel.

Diakonia’s Food Pantry in nearby Ocean City follows the same mindset. And they’re happy to have helping hands from Youth & Family Services to take off some of the pressure.

Natoshia says, “This is what we’re here for. We’re here for people to, you know, come here. And when you need to ask for help, that’s what you know. That’s what we’re here for…”

While Rachel tells WMDT, “We see a lot of worry that people are going to be judging them for accessing this food. Especially those that are still working, employed, but are still struggling. This is a great way to circumvent that.”

And being able to give and receive food anonymously at Youth & Family Services is highlighting how the community is lifting each other up.

“This is just one of the ways our community can come together and work. We can offer it to our families without them feeling like they need to consistently be asking for it,” says Rachel.

The Worcester County Youth and Family Services free pantry will officially be open for use on Tuesday, November 4th.