MANCHESTER, Tenn. (WTVF) — Community Table, a nonprofit ministry and food pantry in Manchester, is seeing a surge of new clients as organizers brace for an expected cut to SNAP benefits next month.

At 73, Steve Courtney said he never imagined he would need a pantry. Low wages, rising rent and mounting medical bills left him without food until he found Community Table, which allows visitors to choose groceries, hygiene items and other essentials.

“Low wages and high rents, utility bills, medical bills — there's just not enough, and before I knew it, hey, I'm in trouble,” Courtney said. He now volunteers at the pantry. “They always make me feel welcomed. It makes me feel a little bit better about myself if I help them while they’re helping me.”

Founder Shanon Stowe said the pantry has hea

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