With SNAP benefits interrupted during the federal government shutdown, one Gwinnett County teenager stepped up where leaders haven’t.
Jaeleon Hawkins-Jones, a high school junior, decided to act after seeing how the pause was affecting families.
“If leadership isn’t going to do it, we as citizens have to step up for each other, and I knew that if I wasn’t going to do it, who was?” Hawkins-Jones said.
He launched an online fundraiser that quickly brought in more than $2,500 to buy groceries. Partnering with Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op Ministry, he handed out 40 boxes of food last week.
“I felt really happy because they honestly lit up when I saw them,” he said. “I saw the smile on their face and I thought, ‘Wow, I’m actually doing something. I’m making a difference.’”
That difference is being felt across Gwinnett County, where local food banks are seeing a surge in demand.
“We actually started seeing a big increase in our appointments last week,” said Lisa Engberg, executive director of the Lawrenceville Co-Op.
She said the organization has seen about a 25% jump in clients, reaching 100 appointments on Friday, compared to the usual 60 to 80.
“The vast majority of those are new, and about a third that walked through the door have lost their SNAP benefits,” Engberg said.
With more than 1 million Georgians affected by the pause, Engberg urges residents to visit FoodFinder to locate nearby food banks or the Co-Op’s website to learn how to help.
Meanwhile, Hawkins-Jones isn’t slowing down. He plans another drive with Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op Ministry next week — and hopes his example inspires others.
“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.
Watch the clip below:
