El Paso Initiative Provides Relief Amid SNAP Program Uncertainty

As the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) faces ongoing uncertainty, a community initiative in El Paso, Texas, is stepping in to assist families in need and support local grocers. Community organizer Nicole Roldan has launched a gift card donation drive in partnership with a local grocery chain, Food City, which has already benefited over 250 households and injected thousands of dollars into the local economy.

Roldan’s motivation stemmed from her concern for those who would be affected by the SNAP shutdown. “I was heartsick over knowing there were so many people going without pay,” she expressed. “But then, realizing that so many more would be losing access to food that they’d be counting on, I knew that the loss of those revenues would really affect grocers and local businesses.”

Food City plays a crucial role in the community, with a significant portion of its sales generated through electronic benefits transfer (EBT) transactions. Roldan noted that “between 16% and 47% of their receipts come from EBT transactions, depending on the season and the year.” Recognizing the store’s existing infrastructure and supply chain, Roldan quickly mobilized the donation drive, successfully marketing it within just 24 hours.

To date, the initiative has raised more than $10,000. Despite this success, demand has surged, with over 1,500 applications for aid submitted within just two days. Roldan hopes that this model will inspire similar initiatives across Texas, stating, “It’s not meant to replace the efforts of food banks but just a very quick way to protect the local businesses that are protecting from food deserts.”

This grassroots effort reflects the resilience and solidarity of the El Paso community during challenging times. By directly supporting local businesses, Roldan’s initiative aims not only to provide immediate relief but also to ensure that the community’s food supply remains intact as the uncertainty surrounding SNAP continues.