With federal food assistance being paused as of tomorrow due to the government shutdown, what can households that rely on that help do?
The United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Debbie Ramirez tells us the organization helps support the 211 helpline, which can connect someone in need with all kinds of services. That includes food.
“It is always one of the top five things that they get calls for every month,” Ramirez said. “And of course, now with everything that’s going on, with the government shutdown, changes to SNAP benefits, all of that, they are starting to see increased calls.”
Ramirez says those who need help should call or go to the 211 website.
We wondered if Southwest Michigan food pantries are going to be able to handle the bump coming their way.
“Our food pantries local are amazing where they’ve got amazing volunteers and organizations that back them. But I am sure that almost every food pantry will be grateful to have — whether it’s more volunteers, more financial donations, more donations of shelf stable food — anything that they can get.”
The Berrien Community Foundation is helping collect more food for those in need by setting up donation drop-off sites around the county, including at the St. Joseph and Niles YMCA locations, the libraries in Coloma and Watervliet, Harding’s in Berrien Springs, and the Corewell Center for Wellness.
Also, the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency will be doing its annual Stuff a Truck food drive November 17 through November 22 at Roger’s Foodland in St. Joseph. The government shutdown could be over by then, but Ramirez says the need for food assistance is higher this time of year anyway. Therefore, food pantries are asking for support.
