Here are food options for those in need in Brookings

BROOKINGS - With the federal government still shut down, food aid for Americans who need it will be delayed and cut in half at the very least for the month of November - meaning a rough Thanksgiving on the horizon for a large number people.

About 1 in 8 U.S. residents receive an average of $187 a month per person in SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Nearly 39 percent of recipients are children, according to the Department of Agriculture, which administers the program.

As of Tuesday, the federal government said it was going to fund the program through other means, but at less than half its normal benefits and with a likely long delay.

Cars lined up at a Rapid City food bank. South Dakota News Watch photo.

Several local groups are moving to try and fill the gap, under the umbrella of the Brookings Area United Way. Below are the places to get food in our area.

Feeding Brookings

Drive-thru from 3 to 5 p.m. every Thursday at Ascension Lutheran (2030 Third Street)

Some food items have income guidelines, but not all. All are welcome and eligibility will be determined at time of distribution.

Brookings County Emergency Food Pantry

Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at United Way (908 Hope Drive)

Available for households every four months. No income requirements. Valid ID and piece of mail verifying address are required.

Harvest Table

Free meal every Monday at 5:30 p.m. except major holidays at Community Life Center (625 Fifth Street)

Food and essential items (hygiene items, baby wipes, diapers) available Monday thru Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon. No income or eligibility requirements.

Brookings Salvation Army

Grocery vouchers as well as hygiene at personal care items available Monday thru Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. No income limits or eligibility requirements for those in need.

Here are two programs specifically for seniors in the Brookings area:

60s Plus Dining - ICAP

Group meals Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. top 12:30 p.m. for anyone over 60 at the Activity Center (320 Fifth Avenue). If needed, home delivered or frozen meals are available for pickup or delivery. Call 605-692-4979 for availability.

Senior Box

Available at United Way on the third Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. Applications being accepted at United Way. For those 60 or older at or below 130 percent of federal poverty line. Call or stop in to United Way to verify eligibility. 605-692-4979.

Here are two programs aimed specifically at children and young adults:

Brookings Backpack Project

Weekly food bags distributed at United Way in partnership with Brookings, Sioux Valley and Elkton schools and Head Start. No income or eligibility requirements. Call 605-696-9331 to sign up.

Jack's Cupboard

Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Ben Riefel Hall (1351 8th Street) on campus for any SDSU enrolled students.

The Brookings Area United Way and the local Basic Needs Task Force are also accepting donations of food, personal items, grocery gift cards and money to help support these efforts. Donations can be dropped off at United Way.

Food items in need are: Cereal, canned fruit, canned soup, ramen noodles, juice boxes, noodles and sauce, canned vegetables, granola bars (without nuts), fruit or pudding cups, canned chicken or tuna, pasta packages and rice pouches or cups.

Personal care items in need are shampoo, conditioner, body wash, diapers, baby wipes, household cleaners, toilet paper, laundry detergent and feminine hygiene products.

Community partners in the drive are Hy-Vee, Lewis and Walmart. Pick up any of these items and leave them at the designated areas in the stores to donate.

For the latest information, visit the Basic Needs Task Force page. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help can check the United Way's website for information on current needs. Anyone wishing to organize a food drive should call 605-692-4979.

Information compiled by Brookings Area United Way. Linehan is the Beacon's managing editor and welcomes comments and tips at BrookingsBeacon@gmail.com