GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — In a time of uncertainty due to the government shutdown, a Gwinnett County high school student, Jaeleon Hawkins-Jones, has taken matters into his own hands to help those impacted by the pause in SNAP benefits.
The 16-year-old junior at a local high school saw the struggles of families in need and knew that something needed to be done. “What made me decide that is because if leadership isn’t going to do it, we as citizens have to step up for each other,” Hawkins-Jones said. “If I wasn’t going to do it, who was?”
Hawkins-Jones started an online fundraiser and raised more than $2,500 to buy food for those who rely on SNAP benefits. He partnered with Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op Ministry to distribute the food, and last week he handed out 40 boxes of food to families in need. “I felt really happy because they honestly lit up when I saw them. I saw the smile on their face and I thought, ‘Wow, I’m actually doing something. I’m making a difference,’” he said.
Lisa Engberg, executive director of the Lawrenceville Co-Op, noted a sharp increase in people seeking help, with about 25% more clients coming in last week. “The vast majority of those are new, and about a third that walked through the door have lost their SNAP benefits,” Engberg said.
The impact of the pause in SNAP benefits has been felt across Georgia, with more than 1 million residents affected. Hawkins-Jones encourages other young people to follow his lead and make a difference. “If you see a problem in your community and you want to fix it, don’t think that you just have to sit back and wait for it to be fixed. You can act now and you can do it,” he said.
Hawkins-Jones plans to continue his efforts with another food drive next week in partnership with Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op Ministry. Those interested in helping or learning more can visit local food bank websites like FoodFinder for resources.
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