Food Access as a Foundation for Stability
At Thresholds, food access can be the difference between stability and crisis. Many of the people we serve live on extremely limited incomes, and for some, SNAP is their only reliable way to afford groceries. Supporting access to food is part of how our staff help remove barriers to stability and independence.
Every day, staff across Thresholds programs help members navigate food pantries and meal programs, access transportation to grocery stores, choose nutritious options, and stretch tight budgets so meals last all month. For Homeless Outreach Program teams, this work happens on the street through protein-rich snack packs and conversations about food, health, and immediate needs. Whether in housing or outreach, food access is treated as essential to care. These are things that Thresholds staff do every day, but there are situations where we must act fast
When a recent disruption to SNAP benefits left many individuals without reliable access to food, this everyday support quickly shifted into an emergency response. Staff across programs identified the most vulnerable members, especially those whose only income was SNAP, and moved quickly to ensure no one went without food.
Through a timely partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Thresholds received 200 food boxes, distributed across six locations citywide. Each box included fresh produce and essential perishables, with teams prioritizing members facing the greatest need.
“Food access is not optional,” said Debra Howard-Frye, Co-Chief Clinical Officer. “It is foundational to health, recovery, and dignity. Ensuring people have what they need is part of our responsibility.”
This response was strengthened by flexible donor funding and community partnerships, which helped stabilize services during a moment of real uncertainty. Staff also shared food resources across programs and connected members to additional options throughout the city so no one navigated the disruption alone.
While the SNAP interruption created immediate strain, it reinforced a larger truth: food insecurity is an ongoing reality for many people we serve. Through collaborative community-based care, Thresholds will continue to show up consistently, respond quickly, and advocate for the resources our members need to remain healthy, housed, and safe.