Copyright M Live Michigan
KENT COUNTY, MI - Various community groups across West Michigan have launched emergency food assistance programs in anticipation of a potential delay in federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Michigan and other states last week of the Nov. 1 pause due to the federal government shutdown. Since then, it’s created widespread concern among locals. Roughly 1.4 million Michiganders rely on the assistance program each month to put food on the table. Without it, local food pantries and meal programs will face overwhelming demand, according to Heart of West Michigan United Way. In response to the looming cancellation of SNAP benefits this weekend, the nonprofit created a United Response Fund to help families across the region access food and basic needs. “We started it because pantries and food banks were reaching out, letting us know that their traffic has increased so much, with people anticipating that pause,” said Becki Postma, chief impact officer for Heart of West Michigan United Way. “Everybody was trying to think about how they were going to get additional food. There was an ask from the nonprofits of, ‘How can United Way help?’ And we stepped up.” The initiative provides emergency funding to community food providers across Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties, ensuring they can purchase fresh produce, proteins, and shelf-stable items to meet the expected surge in demand. While all forms of giving are appreciated, financial donations are the most effective way to help right now, United Way stated. Food pantries can stretch every donated dollar much further than individuals can at the grocery store—purchasing in bulk, sourcing fresh produce and proteins, and filling critical supply gaps as they arise. Flexible funding also allows pantries to respond quickly to what families need most. “Trying individually for each of them to fundraise is really asking a lot of these agencies in the midst of all the new business they are getting,” Postma said. “What we’re doing is taking donations and getting them back out into the various food pantries and the food clubs to make sure that the money’s getting out quickly to the places that are in the most need.” Already, she said, they are seeing donations and are working to distribute the money quickly to local food banks in greatest need. To illustrate the surge in demand, United Way has experienced a 180% increase in 211 calls related to food assistance. “People who are struggling are not just struggling for food, they’re struggling to make ends meet,” Postma said. “It all ties together. When you pull on the lever in the food space, it impacts all the other spaces for somebody who is in need.” Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that approximately 73,000 residents in the county are being affected. “This is crucial. I’ve been called by so many constituents who are saying, even temporarily, this is going to set them back,” he said. “The consequences will hit every part of our community, from stores and businesses to schools, shelters, hospitals and our local food pantries.” Nonprofits like the Grand Rapids Community Food Club, which provides access to fresh foods for low-income Kent County residents, are bracing for impact. Executive Director AJ Fossel said that although the nonprofit is an important place, it cannot be a substitute for SNAP. She shared that she is already working at maximum capacity and is deeply concerned about what will happen if SNAP benefits are paused. “Today, we have a waitlist with over 1,200 households on it,” Fossel told MLive. “This is without pausing SNAP benefits. The need right now is greater than ever, and will only increase if a solution is not found within the next day.” The Grand Rapids Community Food Club serves over 9,000 people per month and has doubled the number of people it serves in the last two years. For every one meal that charitable food provides, Fossel said SNAP benefits provide nine. Pausing benefits for even one month will have lasting economic impacts on the people served by the Food Club, with an average benefit payout of $335 per month in Michigan. “There is no charitable substitute, and philanthropy cannot replace government benefits,” she said. “For people who are living paycheck to paycheck, a missed $335 out of your monthly budget means bills will go unpaid and meals will be missed.” According to the most recent data available from the USDA, 59% of Michigan households currently receiving benefits contain children, and more than three out of four households that rely on SNAP have someone who earns an income. Because of the planned disruption of SNAP, this puts thousands of Michigan families at risk of food insecurity, forcing many to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. Following the news, nonprofit Kids Food Basket (KFB) immediately connected with local schools to assess their needs, including providing grab-and-go meals, increasing meal quantities for 66 partner schools and offering food packs through 18 food pantries. “When our systems falter, our shared humanity must not,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, KFB president and founding CEO. “We’re called to respond with compassion and action, ensuring children and families have fresh, nourishing food every day. We invite you to stand with us and step forward in service this month.”
