A lapse in Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits nationwide has caused concern for millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity.
A federal judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration must use emergency funds to pay Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown. Despite the ruling, Trump believes the government can’t legally fund SNAP during the shutdown, and asked for further clarification from the court system. SNAP benefits were supposed to be paid Saturday, leaving many Americans, including students, feeling affected by the pause.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services previously announced that SNAP benefits would be paused in November due to the ongoing shutdown. If the pause continues, it is expected to affect 1.4 million individuals living in Michigan, 43% of whom are families with children. Due to the threat of a SNAP benefit pause, many recipients are turning to alternative sources of aid, primarily food banks and pantries, which are struggling to keep up with the sudden surge in demand. College students, who are already disproportionately affected by food insecurity, will most likely continue to be affected if the SNAP delay continues.
“Food pantries cannot make up for the loss of SNAP benefits,” said Feeding America West Michigan’s Neighbor Engagement Specialist Claire Bode. “The food bank is working on sourcing as much food as possible, but we do not expect, on our own, to be able to meet the demand that (could) result from the loss of SNAP.”
Executive Director of Grand Rapids’ Community Food Club AJ Fossel noted the SNAP pause will force many individuals to seek alternative forms of aid. However, organizations like Community Food Club, a membership-based grocery store in Grand Rapids that serves low-income residents, are struggling to stay stocked.
Fossel explained that many people do not know details about SNAP, mainly that 78% of SNAP households have someone who is earning income, that over 492,000 recipients are children and 51% of SNAP households include someone with a disability. Fossel urged people to contact their federal representatives and encourage them to fund SNAP through the shutdown. She also urged people to volunteer at local food pantries and banks to support them during this influx.
“While my team and I are preparing for the increased demand for our services, I feel it is only fair I am honest with you,” Fossel said. “There is no amount of philanthropy that will be able to fill the gap left by a pause in SNAP funding. For every one meal that charitable food provides, SNAP benefits provide nine.”
Bode advised individuals who may be affected by food insecurity to find mobile food pantries, use the Find Food Map to locate local resources or call the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s helpline, 1-888-544-8773. Additionally, Grand Valley State University’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center is teaming up with Inclusive Ottawa County, a nonprofit organization, to provide students with food and hygiene supplies throughout November. The center is seeking donations, particularly allergy-friendly, vegetarian and kosher food items. GVSU’s food pantry, Replenish, will be expanding hours in November to accommodate those affected by the SNAP pause. The annual Campus Food Drive will also be taking place throughout the month of November.
“Grand Valley State University is always prepared to support our students in need of assistance, and our commitment remains steadfast to support our students through the impact of the federal government shutdown,” Replenish Assistant Director Mimi Sperl said in a statement provided to the Lanthorn.
The government shutdown is currently the second-longest in U.S. history, lasting 34 days as of publication.
