The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put out notice that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will not be distributed on November 1 as the federal government shutdown continues, and food pantries in southwest Michigan are expecting to feel the effects.
42 million Americans rely on SNAP to get enough food for their meals, including 1.4 million in Michigan, or about 13% of the population. Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency Director Kim Smith-Oldham tells us she sees the need in our area each day, noting her organization served more than 5,000 people through its food pantry in 2024. In 2025, the number has nearly doubled, now at more than 9,800.
With a pause coming in SNAP benefits, Smith-Oldham anticipates hardship for the people she serves.
“The pause on the SNAP benefits is going to be very devastating to our community, especially for seniors living on the fixed income and our working families who are already struggling with the high food costs,” Smith-Oldham said.
Smith-Oldham says the support the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency provides to people comes through donations and backing from businesses and foundations. With SNAP running out, they’ll need more.
“I think we’re going to get more referrals. Of course, all of our referrals are individuals and families that we serve come through to referrals from 211. And I see that that would be growing.”
Smith-Oldham says anyone can help by making a donation, either online or in person with a food item. Something the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency always needs is meat, which it can store in its coolers, but she says they need just about everything that can make a meal.
Smith-Oldham notes the annual Stuff a Truck food drive is coming up November 17 through November 22, and that’s a chance for anyone to help by stopping at Roger’s Foodland and contributing. She also advises anyone looking for food aid to call 211.
