Copyright M Live Michigan
BAY CITY, MI – A coalition has been formed to assist residents in Bay and Arenac counties who rely on food assistance programs amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The coalition is working with nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and health and human service agencies to address existing funding gaps and help implement alternative plans for food distribution. The government shutdown began on Oct. 1 and Michigan has been directed to stop issuing food benefits until further notice. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it can’t issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. About 16,566 Bay County residents depend on SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, to purchase groceries, Bay Area Community Foundation officials said in a news release Monday, Oct. 27. Additionally, more than 2,100 Bay County residents receive assistance through the federal WIC (Women, infants, and Children) program to purchase fresh food and formula for their children. The coalition includes the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Bay Area Community Foundation, Bay Arenac Intermediate School District, Bay County, Bay City and United Way of Bay County. One of the coalition’s primary aims is to identify short- and long-term solutions to food insecurity in the area by working with area stakeholders. The coalition will also take steps to ensure that 211 Northeast Michigan is prepared to respond to residents in need of food assistance during this time, according to the release. 211 Northeast Michigan is a regional nonprofit organization that connects callers with health, human, and social services. Additionally, the coalition has established a food insecurity emergency fund for residents in Bay and Arenac counties. The fund will support the expansion of local food assistance programs and the capacity of area food pantries. Contributions to the fund can be made online at bayfoundation.org or by mail. Checks must be made payable to the Bay Area Community Foundation and sent to the foundation’s headquarters, located at 1000 Adams St. Suite 200. “Food security” and “Bay” or “Arenac” must be noted in the memo line. Anyone with questions about the fund can call 989-893-4438. In addition to the emergency fund, the coalition has assembled the Bay County Food Council to help coordinate food collection and distribution efforts. The council includes food pantries, soup kitchens and food distribution sites Non-perishable foods can be donated to local food pantries from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the United Way of Bay County, located at 909 Washington Ave. in Bay City. Additionally, community members can volunteer to assist local food distribution organizations. Volunteer opportunities can be found online at unitedwaybaycounty.org. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Bay Area Community Foundation by emailing the foundation at shawnaw@bayfoundation.org or by calling 989-893-4438 to learn more about how to help. Community members looking to volunteer can also contact United Way of Bay County via email at nicole@unitedwaybaycounty.org or by calling 989-893-7508. Anyone experiencing food insecurity can contact 211 Northeast Michigan by dialing 2-1-1 or visit the organization’s website at 211nemichigan.org to get connected with resources in the area.
