DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — As federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits runs out during the ongoing government shutdown, one local bakery is stepping up to make sure no one in the community goes hungry.
Guglhupf Bakery, which has locations in Durham and Chapel Hill, is giving away free loaves of bread to anyone who shows their EBT card during business hours.
Owner Sean Scott, who recalls the importance of bread during his own modest upbringing, told ABC11 News, “That’s kind of what we do.”
The funding shortfall, affecting 42 million low-income Americans — including 16 million children — has left many without access to SNAP benefits. While two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue funding SNAP, recipients remain uncertain about when their accounts will be replenished.
SNAP has traditionally been entirely federally funded, but is administered by states. This means the shutdown’s impact on SNAP benefits will vary by state.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein recently announced $10 million in state funding for food banks, with an additional $8 million from private organizations and charities. NC, along with 24 other states, has also joined a lawsuit to partially fund SNAP.
SEE ALSO: As SNAP cuts loom, here are food assistance resources helping fight food insecurity
Scott said when he learned that funding to feed lower-income Americans was running out, he felt compelled to act.
“We’ve been around for 26 years in Durham, so it’s almost a responsibility, I feel like, as a local business owner,” he said.
The bakery announced the offer on social media, which quickly went viral. Customers and supporters have rallied to help, with some sending donations via Venmo and others, like US Foods, providing flour.
On the program’s first day, customers flocked to the bakery.
Tom Dekle, a customer, shared the news with his daughters, one of whom works in SNAP education programs. “They were ecstatic about it,” he said, adding, “At the end of the day, the need’s not going to go away.”
Dekle said he hopes more local businesses follow Guglhupf’s lead and that the community continues to support them in return.
Scott plans to continue the program as long as there’s a need, running it week by week.
You can visit either bakery during regular store hours. We’ve listed the hours and the addresses below.
SEE ALSO: How to talk to kids about food insecurity amid looming SNAP benefit cuts
Durham Bakery
2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
Tues-Sat: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mon: Closed
Chapel Hill Bakery
1800 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Tues-Fri: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m – 5 p.m.
Sun: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mon: Closed
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