Recap of SNAPPING BACK AT SNAP PAUSE
Snapping Back at the SNAP Pause demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Every donation, partnership, handwritten note, packed bag, and volunteer hour contributed to something larger. ACTUM is deeply grateful to everyone who helped support Win NYC and the women, children, and families it serves.
Win NYC is the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for homeless families in New York City, primarily serving women and children. When the pause in SNAP benefits placed even greater pressure on families experiencing food insecurity, ACTUM launched Snapping Back at the SNAP Pause to provide immediate support.
Our goal was to raise $1,500 to fill approximately 180 bags with essentials such as rice, lentils, oatmeal, granola bars, ramen, and macaroni and cheese. The community responded quickly, contributing half of our goal within 48 hours and helping us complete the campaign shortly afterward.
This effort extended far beyond financial donations. Foodtown Bushwick donated food, while Green Valley Grocery helped us purchase supplies at wholesale prices. Their generosity allowed us to stretch every dollar and provide more food to families.
The drive culminated in ACTUM’s first in-person New York City event at Nook Cafe in Bushwick. Around 30 volunteers joined us, including our partners, Lasting Change and Global Impact Project, to pack the food bags. Nook welcomed us into its community space, donated pastries, and helped create a warm and energetic gathering.
Volunteers also wrote heartfelt notes to place inside every bag. The bags were intended not only to provide food, but also to remind each recipient: You are not forgotten, you are not alone, and your community cares.
The wider neighborhood made the event even more special. One volunteer donated a $100 drink tab, while local businesses and community partners contributed raffle prizes. Lasting Change donated luxury wines, Nook provided a coffee mug and gift set, and neighboring vintage and thrift stores Voo Vintage and Fronk donated gift cards.
The response was so generous that we needed a large van to transport all the completed bags and additional donations. The following week, volunteers delivered everything to the shelter.
