Gateway Wellness Foundation has launched “Operation SNAP Gap,” a rapid-response initiative providing an initial $200,000 in relief funding to support families and individuals across Burke, McDowell, Rutherford, and Polk counties who have been or will be impacted by the recent SNAP benefits crisis.
To fund the initiative, Gateway received a $100,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust (Dogwood) and is matching that investment with an additional $100,000 of its own funds, doubling the total impact for the communities most affected.
To ensure the funds reach those most in need, Gateway will distribute the funding through a network of local food pantries, senior centers, school backpack programs, and county Departments of Social Services (DSS) across the four-county region.
“In addition to the negative impacts to recipients of SNAP benefits, we are anticipating downstream effects on communities as a result of food insecurity,” said Joshua Kennedy, President of Gateway Wellness Foundation. “This crisis creates additional socioeconomic stressors on families who are already under significant financial burdens. We are so thankful for Dogwood’s support in helping our community members.”
“We also encourage community members who are interested in supporting Operation SNAP Gap to donate to this cause.”
Operation SNAP Gap is designed to address immediate food insecurity while also reinforcing community infrastructure to better respond to future crises.
About Gateway Wellness Foundation: Gateway Wellness Foundation is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization serving Burke, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford counties. Founded in 2019, the Foundation focuses on improving the health and well-being for all residents in its service area through intentional partnerships and collaborations. For more information, contact [email protected].
About Dogwood Health Trust: Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellbeing, with a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness. Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit www.dht.org.