1Can Opens New Blessing Box at Wolf Meadow Elementary as SNAP Disruptions Loom

The nonprofit adds its 11th box and recently secured a $5,000 Food Lion Feeds grant to provide more than 7,000 student snack bags.

1Can founder and executive director Sheryl Kluge stands with Amora and Ahmod Murphy, two of the organization’s young blessing box keepers, beside the new blessing box at Wolf Meadow Elementary School. Photo credit: Chris Miller.

When the federal government shutdown — already among the longest in U.S. history — causes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to lapse at the end of the month, it’s expected to have a devastating impact on families nationwide. For millions, food stamps are a lifeline — often the only thing preventing hunger.

To help fill the gap locally, community groups across Cabarrus County are stepping up, including 1Can, a Concord-based nonprofit that combats food insecurity through its network of free community blessing boxes.