Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
As federal nutrition programs face suspension during the ongoing government shutdown, Barnabas Center Nassau works to ensure that local families continue to have access to healthy food.
Barnabas Center serves as Nassau County’s only comprehensive service center, dedicated to empowering those in need to become healthy, thriving citizens. Some of the organization’s offerings include nutrition services, empowerment programs and health services.
Barnabas has experienced a 35 to 40% increase in food demand since July 1. According to Barnabas Center Chief Executive Officer Jamie Reynolds, the nonprofit organization continues to partner with many local service groups and churches, promoting the need for food collection volunteers and financial support. On the East Side of the county, Amelia Island is currently experiencing a temporary food desert due to two major grocery stores closing for remodeling.
“These closures have created barriers for clients without transportation off the island or to the next nearest store, located approximately eight miles away,” Reynolds said.
In September and October, Barnabas had more than six community-led canned food drives that took place across all of Nassau County. As a result, the organization received more than 20,000 pounds of canned goods.
“This past week, we served a record number of clients at Barnabas Center,” Reynolds said. “We are grateful for this community and its ability to show up and serve when times are difficult.”
The federal government shutdown started Oct. 1 due to partisan disagreements over federal spending levels, foreign aid recissions, and health insurance subsidies. Many government employees have not received paychecks since the shutdown began. Beneficiaries for programs such as Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program and the Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children did not receive their support Saturday.
According to the National WIC Association website, the association learned that $450 million in additional federal section 32 funding has been allocated to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC. The White House Office of Management and Budget has initiated the transfer of these child nutrition funds, with state agencies expected to receive them within this week.
With people still struggling, Barnabas plans to be nimble and adapt to the situation at hand.
“We will continually evaluate demand and make adjustments as needed. Additional food purchases will be made to ensure clients continue receiving healthy food throughout this period. Meal packs for children will remain a priority, and we will allocate funds as necessary to maintain consistency across all our programs,” Reynolds said.
Barnabas Center plans to collaborate and remain in contact with community partners to ensure efficient service delivery.
“We plan to meet with county commissioners and city managers to share updated hours of operation and food availability, so this information can be posted on official websites,” Reynolds said. “All communications are distributed in both English and Spanish. Barnabas Center is also in ongoing coordination with Feeding Northeast Florida to monitor resources and logistics.”
By working with Feeding Northeast Florida, they offer opportunities to Barnabas’ Nassau County partners.
“When needed, we will work with Authentic Impact and Journey Church to distribute food where it is most needed at the times we cannot. We are actively monitoring demand across all areas of the county – on and off the Island – and will continue to pursue bulk purchasing and best practices to maximize food access and cost efficiency,” Reynolds said.
For more information about Barnabas Center, visit barnabasnassau.org or call 904-261-7000.
The Callahan Satellite Office features empowerment programs that are open Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome until 3 p.m. Medical services are available Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is located at 449644 U.S. 301, Callahan.
Other locations include the main office, 1303 Jasmine St., Fernandina Beach, and the New to You Resale Store, 930 S. 14th St., Fernandina Beach.
Emergency food bag locations for the West Side of the county include, the Nassau County Record at 617317 Brandies Ave., Callahan, Callahan Town Hall at 542300 U.S. 1, Johnston Signature Furnishings at 542057 U.S. 1, Callahan, Hilliard Town Hall, 15859 W. County Road 108, and the Nassau County Public Library Hilliard Branch, 15821 W. County Road 108, Hilliard.
“Barnabas is grateful to
the community that has walked
in the door and shared food and donations without launch-
ing an official campaign,” Reynolds said. “We live in a very generous community that is action oriented and we are thankful for that spirit of community.”