KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – In Kalamazoo County, there are 35,183 recipients of SNAP benefits, including 39% who are under the age of 18, and they are in danger of losing those food benefits if the federal budget shutdown continues into next month.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says word from the USDA is for them to hold November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits until further notice. That will affect nearly 13% of Michigan households and approximately 1.4 million people.
As the largest charitable provider of food assistance in Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes says it is prepared to respond to the increased need that pausing November SNAP benefits will create. The KLF’s Grocery Pantry Program and the Mobile Food Distribution Program currently serve the general population, and officials there say the programs have existing capacity to serve both new and current clients needing additional visits.
Loaves and Fishes will also be adding additional pantry shifts and appointments for the next several weeks, they expanded their purchased food inventory to be prepared for this anticipated increase, and have scheduled a meeting with key social service and food provider partners to discuss an organized and collaborative response to this pause in SNAP benefits.
Officials say all KLF programs are self-declaration of need with no income requirements to access their programs. The organization serves all of Kalamazoo County and surrounding communities in neighboring counties. If someone typically receives SNAP or other subsidized food assistance, they are still eligible to receive food from KLF.
To schedule a food appointment or get more information, contact KLF’s Call Center at (269)343-3663, email info@kzoolf.org, or visit kzoolf.org.
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