Hi Neighbor,

I want to make sure you are aware of an urgent development that will affect millions of Michiganders who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Read on for a comprehensive list of food assistance resources in Kent County.

 

What’s Happening

As of Nov. 1, SNAP benefits are paused due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In Michigan, nearly 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, including 492,000 children, 38,500 veterans, and hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities.

On Oct. 31, federal judges ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must resume funding for SNAP during the government shutdown, using existing contingency funds. The rulings allow the USDA to decide whether to fully or partially fund benefits for November, and appeals are expected.

However, it’s still unclear when SNAP debit cards will be reloaded. Even under normal circumstances, it can take 1-2 weeks for funds to reach families’ accounts, so delays may continue.

 

How It Impacts Families
This pause comes at a time when grocery prices are rising and families are already stretched thin. Most SNAP households are working adults, but their wages simply aren’t enough to cover basic needs without assistance. On average, SNAP provides $335 per month per household — totaling nearly $300 million each month flowing into Michigan’s grocery stores, farmers markets and local businesses. Without it, families will likely face the impossible choice between food, medicine, rent or utilities.

 

What House Democrats are Doing to Fight for SNAP

House Democrats are moving forward with an emergency food legislative package to fight to protect Michigan families, including the following proposals:

  • Securing Fresh Food Access (HB 5193): A proposal to create a $600 million emergency supplemental fund for food assistance SNAP recipients.
  • Keeping Food Banks Stocked (HB 5195): A proposed additional $12.5 million to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
  • Keeping Food on the Table (HB 5194): A proposed additional $12.5 million for local food pantries.
  • Calling for Federal Action: Resolutions urging the U.S. President, Congressional Republicans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to end the shutdown and guarantee uninterrupted SNAP benefits.

In order for these proposals to move forward, Michigan House Republicans will need to work with House Democrats to keep meals on Michigan tables.

At the federal level, the USDA has the ability to use contingency funds to keep SNAP benefits going, as it did during the 2019 shutdown. But the White House claims it lacks that authority. Ultimately, benefits could be restored immediately if Washington ends the shutdown.

 

SNAP Resources

If your household is impacted, please know that help is available:

  • Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for confidential referrals to local food programs and services.
  • Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and hunger relief efforts.
  • Check your MI Bridges account for the latest updates on SNAP benefits.

 

Food Assistance Resources in Kent County

  • Byron Community Ministries
    • 8250 Byron Creek Drive, Byron Center; (616) 878-6000
    • Free boxes of emergency food with items such as rice, meats, canned fruits and more may be offered. The ministry may also have winter clothing for children or the homeless or refer families to social services in Kent County.
  • Holy Family Catholic Church
    • 9669 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia; (616) 891-9259
  • Redeemer Covenant Church — Dutton Community Food Pantry
    • Lower level of 6951 Hanna Lake Ave., Caledonia; (616) 698-8001 for hours that food and meals are distributed.
  • Cedar Springs United Methodist Church
    • 140 South Main St., Cedar Springs; (616) 696-1140
    • A free food pantry and soup kitchen are at the church.
  • Settlement Lutheran Church — Barrie’s House
    • 1031 South Johnson Road, Gowen; (616) 984-5442
    • There is a food bank on site. It can help children, single parents and the less fortunate. Groceries, fresh food, fruits and even basic household supplies may be passed out.
  • Access 6
    • 2829 Thornapple River Drive SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 949-1360
    • This agency partners with many local churches, food pantries and distribution centers across Kent County. They can also direct individuals and help them apply for social services.
  • Area Community Service Employment and Training Council — ACSET
    • This non-profit has several locations around Kent County and Grand Rapids. They can also help people apply for SNAP food stamps or other aid from DHS.
      • 1550 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids; (616) 336-4100
      • 836 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; (616) 336-7740
      • 1954 Fuller Ave. NE. Grand Rapids; (616) 364-1104
      • 121 Franklin St. SE, Suite 110, Grand Rapids; (616) 336-4000
      • 215 Straight Ave. NW, Grand Rapids; (616) 336-4180
  • Baxter Community Center
    • 935 Baxter St. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 456-8593
    • In addition to offering food, clothing, thrift store items and other aid, they can direct individuals facing hardship to programs for paying bills, rent and other expenses.
  • Central Reformed Church
    • 10 College Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; (616) 456-1773
  • Covenant Christian Reformed Church
    • 7171 Willard Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 455-5120
  • Divine Care Food Pantry
    • 4248 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 350-9104
    • Fruits, vegetables and a listening ear is offered from staff. There may also be Christmas or Thanksgiving meals, too.
  • East Leonard Christian Reformed Church
    • 1027 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids; (616) 454-4444
  • Grace Christian Reformed Church
    • 100 Buckley St. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 452-8920
  • Greater Deliverance Temple/ Apostolic Faith
    • 900 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
  • Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church
    • 940 Neland Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 245-0669
  • Northwest Food Pantry and Resource Center
    • Trinity Reformed Church, 1224 Davis Ave. NW, Grand Rapids; (616) 451-4036
    • In addition to free food, other resources include clothing, information on Michigan emergency crisis programs, perishable items, meals and shelter are available. Students can learn about free summer meals or snacks, and there is also information on congregate meals from the Agency on Aging centers.
  • Saint Vincent De Paul Society
    • 1314 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids; (616) 452-1408
    • Shelter, financial aid and more is combined with emergency bags of groceries or a hot meal.
  • Salvation Army – Booth Family Services
    • 1215 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids; (616) 459-9468
    • A thrift store and a food pantry that can feed the hungry and people in poverty. There are Easter Baskets, Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas dinners and gifts, too. Other services include formula as well as case management and help in applying for SNAP food stamps. More on Salvation Army food assistance programs Kent County.
  • South United Methodist Church
    • 4500 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids; (616) 534-8931
  • The Other Way Ministries
    • 710 Fulton St. W., Grand Rapids; (616) 454-4011
  • Westminster Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
    • 47 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 456-6115
  • Word of Faith Christian Center
    • 3030 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 827-0060
  • Senior Meals Program
    • 2900 Wilson Ave. SW, Suite 500, Grandville; (616) 459-3111
    • The non-profit may be able to deliver free food, groceries and meals to senior citizens and disabled across the county.
  • Mamrelund Lutheran Church
    • 4085 Lutheran Church Road, Kent City; (616) 887-8874
    • Hot meals or lunches, clothing, winter attire and more are available.
  • The Pantry
    • 4307 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 455-9411
    • A variety of services are available. One is the Neighbors Choice Food Pantry, which provides free food at most one time per month. Applicants need to bring documents required including a picture ID and piece of mail for each family member.
    • There is also a Fresh Market program, which gives low-cost, locally grown fresh produce to those who self-declare they are 300% or below the poverty level. This market takes SNAP/EBT and participates in Double Up Food Bucks.
    • Clients with verified health conditions can use the Nutritional Options For Wellness (NOW) Pantry, which is available once per week; however, clients need to have been referred by a physician and participate in goal setting and educational programs.
  • Flat River Outreach Ministries
    • 11535 Fulton St. E., Lowell; (616) 897-8260
  • Lean on Me Outreach Center 
    • 11555 Edgerton Ave. NE, Rockford; (616) 866-3999 for food.
    • Also, may offer referrals to other charities and churches in the region.
  • North Kent Community Services
    • 10075 Northland Drive NE, Rockford; (616) 866-3478
    • A leading non-profit for the unemployed and low income to turn to.
  • Family Network
    • 1029 44th St. SW, Wyoming; (616) 885-9919
    • Several programs for families are offered, everything from food to limited financial assistance for groceries, meals and other household items such as clothing.

Michigan families work hard, play by the rules and deserve the dignity of knowing they can put food on the table. I will keep fighting to make sure Washington lives up to that promise.

I am honored to continue representing and advocating for our community in Lansing. Please feel free to go to my website at RepFitzgerald.com to stay up to date on our work. You can also email at [email protected] or call at (517) 373-0835 to voice your opinion, ask a question or express a concern. My dedicated staff is here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

 

Respectfully,

John Fitzgerald

Minority Floor Leader

State Representative

House District 83