Downtown Rescue Mission reaches out as SNAP benefit cuts threaten food supply

HUNTSVILLE – The Downtown Rescue Mission is calling on the community for support as the government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for more than 752,000 Alabamians, including more than 3,250 residents in Madison County.

With more families expected to seek assistance, the mission’s pantry shelves could soon be stretched. 

The organization is asking for donations of non-perishable food items or money to ensure it can continue meeting the needs of those impacted.

Donations can be dropped off at the Downtown Rescue Mission’s main campus at 1400 Evangel Drive in Huntsville any day before 9 p.m. 

“The Downtown Rescue Mission has always provided food bags free of charge to anyone in need,” said Jonathan Walsh, executive vice president of development at the Downtown Rescue Mission. “With the recent threat to SNAP benefits, more people are struggling to put food on the table. We want to make sure our shelves stay full so we can help every person that turns to the mission for help.” 

The mission, which served 442,070 meals and distributed 3,939 food boxes to the community in 2024, provides daily meals and emergency shelter 24 hours a day.

Beyond meals and shelter, the mission offers life transformation programs, medical care and outreach services for men, women and children. 

Most critical needs 

• Boxed macaroni and cheese 
• Bags of rice 
• Cake mixes 
• Canned meats including tuna, vienna sausages and Spam 
• Canned vegetables including mixed vegetables, sweet peas, carrots, greens, peas, beans 
• Cereal 
• Chef Boyardee canned products 
• Chili (Pull top cans preferred) 
• Chips 
• Cookies 
• Crackers 
• Dry beans and peas 
• Oatmeal 
• Pancake Mix 
• Pasta 
• Pasta sauce 
• Peanut butter 
• Pop-Tarts 
• Rice-A-Roni 
• Soups (Pull top cans preferred) 
• Syrup 

The Downtown Rescue Mission is a nonprofit organization serving as a lighthouse for the homeless in North Alabama and the surrounding areas since 1975. To learn more or to make a donation, visit downtownrescuemission.org.