Due to the recent government shutdown, SNAP benefits were revoked for millions of Americans. Although they have been reinstated following the reopening of the federal government, many vulnerable households are still set to potentially permanently lose them, as the recent megabill signed into law in July established new work requirements, states shouldering some costs of the program, and decreased eligibility for refugees. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office published in August estimated that more than 3 million Americans could lose assistance within the next few years.

Considering the lack of help from federal and state governments, many community organizations and small businesses have risen to the call with mutual aid efforts, including many SIBA bookstores. Libro.fm organized a “Giving Tree” initiative, in which SIBA bookstores are participating, where customers can purchase a book, gift card, or other item to share with someone in need, and then anyone can take an item from the tree, no questions asked. 

Below is a roundup of just some of the efforts the SIBA community has made.

Has your store organized a food drive or provided aid to your community? Please email candice@sibaweb.com and let us know!

Baldwin & Co., New Orleans, LA
Holding a “Friendsgiving Brunch” on November 22 to give away free food and toys and gifts for children to help families prepare for the holidays.

Bigfoot Books & Brews, Marion, NC
For every drink sold, they donate $1 to Foothills Food Hub for families in need.

Book Exchange, Marietta, GA
Running a food donation drive for Must Ministries Donation Center.

The Book Tavern, Augusta, GA
Through November 26, running a non-perishable food donation drive for Golden Harvest Food Bank, and donating 10% of profits to the food bank.

The Book Worm Bookstore, Powder Springs, GA
Established a “free shelf” inside the store filled with canned goods and personal care items to offer support to neighbors. Customers who donate receive 10%  off one book as a thank you.

Bookish, Atlanta, GA
Launched the “Bookish Mutual Aid Pantry” in East Atlanta for toiletries and basic household items.

Brave + Kind Books, Decatur, GA
Collecting non-perishable food items for local food pantries.

Charis Books & More, Decatur, GA
Donated a percentage of sales during their birthday weekend (November 8-9) to New Disabled South’s food assistance program for disabled people in the South.

Dickson Street Bookshop, Fayetteville, AR
Ran a food donation drive for the NWA Food Bank from November 3-17.

Ernest & Hadley Books, Tuscaloosa, AL
Using their “Brick House” event space to collect shelf stable food to donate to Grace Presbyterian Church’s Table of Grace food pantry.

Hub City Bookshop, Spartanburg, SC
Running a donation drive for Total Ministries, who have provided food and financial support to the Spartanburg community since 1982. Customers who donate receive 10% off a store purchase.

Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
Running a donation drive of non-perishable food items and toiletries for the Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) through the end of the month.

M. Judson Booksellers, Greenville, SC
During the month of November, running a food drive for Harvest Hope, a local nonprofit serving more than 20 counties in South Carolina. Customers who donate five or more food items receive a coupon for a free drip coffee, cookie, or tea.

My Sisters Books, Pawleys Island, SC
Collecting food items for the Baskervill Food Pantry. Folks who donate receive a MSB&G scratcher filled with surprise savings.

Page 158 Books, Wake Forest, NC
Collecting non-perishable items for the local food bank.

Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
Collecting donations for Second Harvest at Ann Patchett’s holiday office hours (Mondays in November).

Queer Haven Books, Columbia, SC
Partnering with other local businesses to hold a canned food drive during the month of November.

Storybook Shoppe, Bluffton, SC
Running their 9th annual Pajama Drive for Child Abuse Prevention Associates (CAPA). Each pair of pajamas donated is matched with a book so children receive both as a holiday gift.

Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg, FL
Running a community donation drive through the end of the year for non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and infant supplies, to be donated to the St. Pete Free Clinic.

Underbrush Books, Rogers, AR
Ran a food donation drive for local food pantries. Customers who donated received 10% off a store purchase.