KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — In response to potential needs among SNAP recipients, local churches and organizations are gearing up to offer support. One of the key players in this initiative is the Kingsport YMCA, which is actively seeking ways to assist those in the community who may be impacted.

Starting this Saturday, the YMCA will launch a program specifically designed to provide meals to children aged 18 and under. This initiative aims to ensure that young individuals have access to nutritious food at the facility.

Sarah Anne Walker, the Senior Director of Camp and Feeding, announced that meals will be available for children from Monday to Friday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

“We quickly recognized that many of the children participating in our programs are already benefiting from SNAP,” Walker explained.

“We immediately realized that a lot of the kids that attend our programs already are on SNAP,” Walker said.

Other alternatives for food assistance are churches and other nonprofits.

Danny Howe with the First Broad Street United Methodist Church said the church has seen upticks in those who need food.

“We give out a bag of groceries a week with protein and vegetables, and peanut butter crackers, bread, staples. And, it’s designed around not just providing food for families, but also having folks come in so that we develop relationships,” Howe said.

The Waverly Road Presbyterian Church is also giving out food bags to those in need. The director of the food pantry, Peter Lodal, said they also noticed an uptick in food handouts.

“Typical Fridays will be 25 to 45 bags,” Lodal said. “Today, we’re already up to 43. And, one of the unusual features is that my volunteers have told us that about a third of the people are new. They have never been here before. So I think that’s a reflection of what we’re facing right now with the potential expiration of SNAP benefits tomorrow.”

The church also provides a list of other available options in their food bags.