NEWS4SA (San Antonio): Mayor Jones helped raise $1.6 million in HEB gift cards to help support SNAP families

Ethan Trejo, NEWS4SA

SAN ANTONIO - Mayor Gina Ortiz-Jones has called on community partners to help support the 130,000 families in the city who rely on SNAP benefits.

"I'm here to let folks know that you are not alone, and I hope more folks will join us," she said.

The city, in collaboration with local businesses, has raised $1.6 million to provide $150 gift cards to households, limited to one per household, to ensure food security.

Notable donors include the Spurs, H-E-B, and USAA.

However, Ortiz-Jones emphasized the need for federal support, stating, "We are not going to be able to meet $50 million, right? We need the federal government to get back up and running. The need is too great."

The San Antonio Area Foundation is managing donations, with CEO Nadege Souvenir highlighting the importance of collaboration.

"Unfortunately, there are so many stories. And, you know, with the SNAP funding going away, we know that there are going to be hundreds of households, children, older adults, and families that are struggling. And we're so thankful that we could be a part of bringing a little bit of relief in this time," Souvenir said.

Ortiz-Jones is also in discussions with utility providers like CPS Energy and SAWS to prevent service disconnections for financially struggling families.

The city plans to release more information on its distribution plan next week.

Read the original article here.