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 t

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