Changes to SNAP eligibility leave thousands without food assistance.Those new requirements, enforced Monday, remove refugees and people granted asylum from the federal program. African Immigrant Family Services says more than 90% of the families they help rely on food assistance.The nonprofit connects kids with music, supports growing families, and provides guidance to the community. It’s what Adamma Sawadogo says African Immigrant Family Services is all about.READ MORE: Federal changes to SNAP affect Nebraska recipients, including veterans and young adultsBut with SNAP benefits being taken away from refugees, their main priority shifts to making sure the people they serve are able to put food on the table.“They have kids. They have families they need to feed,” Sawadogo said.Sawadogo said families are scared. The nonprofit’s goal is to explain what is going on to those families.“Working with people who have English as a second language is sometimes difficult for them to understand, so we are providing them the right information,” Sawadogo said.They put together a video explaining the changes to SNAP in French — a language many African refugees speak.“We just direct them to other food banks, churches, and anywhere they can get food,” Sawadogo said.Even with these resources, Sawadogo is concerned the growing demand for food will outweigh what’s available.“There is an increase in people going to the same food pantries,” Sawadogo said.According to Nebraska Appleseed, this impacts as many as 7,000 refugees and people granted asylum in Nebraska. Now, African Immigrant Family Services is turning to more fortunate community members to assist those in need.“Solidarity is part of the African culture — helping others,” Sawadogo said. If you or someone you know needs help getting food, or you lost those SNAP benefits, make sure to check 211 for local resources that can help.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
Changes to SNAP eligibility leave thousands without food assistance.
Those new requirements, enforced Monday, remove refugees and people granted asylum from the federal program. African Immigrant Family Services says more than 90% of the families they help rely on food assistance.
The nonprofit connects kids with music, supports growing families, and provides guidance to the community. It’s what Adamma Sawadogo says African Immigrant Family Services is all about.
READ MORE: Federal changes to SNAP affect Nebraska recipients, including veterans and young adults
But with SNAP benefits being taken away from refugees, their main priority shifts to making sure the people they serve are able to put food on the table.
“They have kids. They have families they need to feed,” Sawadogo said.
Sawadogo said families are scared. The nonprofit’s goal is to explain what is going on to those families.
“Working with people who have English as a second language is sometimes difficult for them to understand, so we are providing them the right information,” Sawadogo said.
They put together a video explaining the changes to SNAP in French — a language many African refugees speak.
“We just direct them to other food banks, churches, and anywhere they can get food,” Sawadogo said.
Even with these resources, Sawadogo is concerned the growing demand for food will outweigh what’s available.
“There is an increase in people going to the same food pantries,” Sawadogo said.
According to Nebraska Appleseed, this impacts as many as 7,000 refugees and people granted asylum in Nebraska.
Now, African Immigrant Family Services is turning to more fortunate community members to assist those in need.
“Solidarity is part of the African culture — helping others,” Sawadogo said.
If you or someone you know needs help getting food, or you lost those SNAP benefits, make sure to check 211 for local resources that can help.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
