Take Action to Keep Food on the Table
With millions at risk of losing access to essential food benefits, it’s more important than ever to make your voice heard. A quick call to your legislators can make a real difference in protecting SNAP and ensuring no one goes hungry during a government shutdown.
We urge our community to reach out to your U.S. Representatives and Senators to demand that Senator Rollins release USDA funds for SNAP benefits. Your voice matters and together, we can help protect vital food assistance for millions of people.
How to Contact Congress
Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121. Give your address to be connected with your U.S. Representative or Senator or look them up on GovTrack.us. Scroll down for the look-up tool. When you call, a staffer will answer and take down your comments to share with the Congressperson. They won’t argue or ask for proof – they’re there to listen. Every call counts. When enough people speak up, they pay attention.
Suggested Email / Call Script
Subject: SNAP Funding
“My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [City] in our district. I am deeply concerned about the immediate threat to food security for our community and for millions of Americans and children.
I am urging Congressperson [Last Name] to immediately demand USDA Secretary Rollins release funds available in the SNAP Contingency Reserve to fund November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on benefit issuance.
Additionally, please urge the USDA to use its statutory transfer authority—or any other legal authority—to fully fund November benefits.
These are funds Congress has already authorized for this type of emergency. Millions of households—including seniors, veterans, and families with children—rely on these benefits to feed themselves and cannot afford a disruption, especially during this time of rising living costs.
Congressperson [Last Name], I am urging you to use your influence to ensure these funds are distributed immediately to prevent a food security crisis in our community. Ensuring families can eat is a fundamental human right.”
Standing Together Through Uncertainty
At The Durham Co+op, we know that many in our community may be impacted by temporary changes to SNAP and other assistance programs starting Nov I st.
No one should have to choose between food, bills, or other essentials. Food insecurity affects not only our shoppers – it touches our staff, neighbors, and friends too.
Let’s show up for each other with patience, understanding, and kindness. Be gentle with staff and volunteers at local food pantries and community organizations. Many are already working at capacity and will face even higher demand in the coming weeks.
Together, we can live our co-op values by centering compassion, equity, and community when it’s needed most.
Durham Community Fridges
LGBTQIA+ Center Food Pantry
1007 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705
Bus Route To Location: #1, 11 & 11B
Contact the Office for Access Dates & Time
Phone: (919) 827-1436
St Joseph’s Episcopal Church
DCF Free Fridge (24 Hour Access)
1902 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705
Bus Routes To Location: #11, #11B
Scrap Exchange
DCF Free Fridge (24 Hour Access)
(Lakewood Shopping Center)
2050 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707
Bus Routes To Location: #10, #10B
Click here for an extensive list of food resources located in Durham, NC (from the Durham Community Fridges Website).
Go Durham Bus Fare is Free until June 2026
How you can help
Donate Essentials: We’re also accepting non-perishable food items (like canned goods, beans, rice, pasta, and pantry staples) and gift cards at checkout. These donations will go toward supplementing the groceries of our FFA/SNAP/EBT Members, helping ensure no one goes without during this difficult time.
Spread the Word: Tell a friend, share this post, or tag us when you donate! Every act of kindness inspires more. Together, we can uphold our cooperative values by centering equity, empathy, and community care. When we all give a little, we make a big difference.