Urban League Food Distribution Support Families Still Impacted by Tornado Damage and SNAP Pause

 A line of cars stretched several blocks on St. Louis city streets Saturday afternoon (November 15th). Families were in pursuit of food during uncertain times. 

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) hosted a free food distribution for May 16 tornado victims and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP recipients on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This was the organization's largest distribution to date, with 3,000 food boxes given to residents. 

The line began forming long before the distribution began, according to videos from one viewer. Cars trailed out of the Urban League's parking out and went down Page Boulevard. The line continued well past Prairie Avenue. 

"Although SNAP benefits have now resumed, many households are still struggling to rebound from weeks of uncertainty, compounded by the lasting effects of tornado recovery," according to the Urban League's press release. "This special distribution is part of the Urban League’s ongoing commitment to stabilizing St. Louis-area families by ensuring access to food and essential resources during a time of elevated need."

These necessities have been hard to come by since the EF3 tornado in May destroyed homes and left many displaced.

The distribution on Saturday allowed volunteers to give those waiting in line boxes filled with food, toiletries, and other household necessities. The press release said this gift "allows families to regain a sense of stability and security."

“This is about meeting urgent needs with dignity and compassion,” said Michael P. McMillan, President & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. “We remain committed to stabilizing families and communities during this challenging time.”

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