Responding to SNAP Pause, Together
As our community continues to navigate the uncertainty caused by the recent pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, it’s more important than ever that we come together to support our neighbors facing food insecurity.
Local partners like Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition have been working to provide guidance and resources, helping the community respond to the growing demand for food assistance.
Background & Status
More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to help feed their families. However, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on October 23, 2025, that there were insufficient funds to pay for November SNAP benefits. As a result, millions of Americans lost access to this critical source of food assistance on November 1, 2025.
While two court rulings on October 31, 2025 temporarily ordered the restoration of funding, updates from federal officials have been mixed. On November 6, 2025, and as of the writing of this publication, the USDA indicated that SNAP maximum allotments will be reduced to approximately 35% of the SNAP recipients’ benefit payments for the month of November. Still some households with income, whether from social security, disability or employment will lose a larger share of benefits or receive no benefits at all. The USDA has warned it could take weeks or even months to provide the benefits. Full restoration of the program is uncertain at this time.
Regional Impact
The reality here in northern Michigan is stark. While local food pantries, meal sites, and organizations like Food Rescue are doing everything they can, they simply cannot fill the gap left by the loss and reduction of federal SNAP benefits.
On average, nine out of every ten meals provided through food assistance programs come directly from federal sources like SNAP, while community-based programs provide just one out of ten. Without federal support, local resources are stretched beyond capacity.
The numbers speak for themselves. In September alone, 13,602 residents across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties received a combined $2.2 million in SNAP benefits — and more than one-third of those recipients were children. The loss of this support has threatened thousands of households across the region.
How We Can Respond
In times like these, our strength lies in our solidarity. Whether through donations, volunteering, advocacy, or simply sharing information, every effort brings us closer to ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.
The State has provided $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support emergency food efforts. However, this is far short of the need. Already, many food pantries are seeing double the normal number of calls and visitors seeking assistance.
Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition Response
- Increasing distribution of food, especially frozen produce
- Adding at least two additional volunteer repack days each week (starting the week of November 3)
- Providing storage and trucking support at no cost to help pantries distribute additional food
- Increasing procurement from the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System
The Northwest Food Coalition Additional Response
- Establishing a temporary emergency fund to purchase food
- Distributing additional resources to pantries and meal programs
- Coordinating volunteers for repacking and distribution efforts
- Connecting residents to local food assistance programs and resources
Volunteer and Donations
Please consider volunteering for a Food Rescue repack.
Additionally, the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will have a Father Fred food donation box at the Governmental Center. Suggested items include: 5 oz. canned chicken or tuna, oatmeal, peanut butter, rice, dried beans 1 lb. bag, spaghetti or pasta, pasta sauce, soups, canned fruits in juice/pie filling, canned vegetables, boxed potatoes/boxed stuffing.
If you are or someone you know is in need of access to food, dial 2-1-1 from any phone to speak with a trained specialist who can connect you to local food banks, pantries, and other programs.