Earlier this week, the federal government voted to end the shutdown and restore SNAP benefits for families through next September. This is worth celebrating—especially during the holidays, when no neighbor should have to wonder if they’ll have healthy food on the table.

SNAP is back, and we’re celebrating! But, we also know that our work isn’t over. Many neighbors who count on SNAP are feeling uncertain and discouraged, and anxiety about the precarity of vital programs is very real.

 And even without the SNAP crisis, November and December are often our busiest times of the year, as the holiday season stretches already thin family budgets even further. Even before the SNAP pause, we were preparing to serve 1,800 families with extra Thanksgiving groceries—and now, after weeks of added stress and uncertainty, this support is even more critical.

During times of crisis, what can matter most is knowing that you’re not alone. This Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to continue showing up for families who need us—with moments of celebration, extra support, healthy holiday food (and turkeys!), and a reminder that their community is with them. 

Over the last week, there’s been continued uncertainty around SNAP benefits, with back-and-forth on timing, payment amounts, and more. We’ve seen more families calling on us at Food Club, and we’re staying ready and prepared for anyone who might turn to us for help.

We’re continuing to track changes – and right now, we’re optimistic that the government will reopen soon, and with it, that SNAP benefits will resume. In the meantime, we know that even if there’s a full vote to reopen the government, there will be a delay of several days before people see their benefits come through.

Impacted by the SNAP benefits pause? Food Club can help. If you or someone you know needs food support, we’re ready to help. 

• If you’re already a member, we can provide extra support if you’re a SNAP recipient. When you’re at the front desk, ask about SNAP support, and show your Bridge Card.

• If you or someone you know receive SNAP benefits, you can still qualify for a Food Club membership! Visit the front desk during our open hours to sign up, and bring your Bridge Card with you.

Ready to take action? Our community’s action and generosity can change the way local families experience this challenge. 

• Food Club is busier, and we need volunteers to keep things running smoothly. We have 42 open slots for this week at FC for Checkout, Warehouse and Floor shifts. Will you sign up today?

Every $85 can cover our monthly costs to serve one more family at Food Club. Consider a gift during this season of need!

In an update shared by the USDA on November 5, it was announced that families will receive 65% of their regular SNAP benefits, rather than the 50% that was originally shared. While this change does decrease the amount families will see their grocery budgets shrink, it still leaves a significant gap.

SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will receive partial SNAP benefits on Saturday, November 8. All other SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date.

In response to a court challenge, the Trump administration announced that it would release partial funding for SNAP, only covering half of the normal payment families typically receive. What this means:

• Families receiving SNAP will only receive half of the amount they’re typically given in the month of November.
  

• There will be lengthy, and unknown, delays before families see their benefits. It may be weeks before families receive SNAP support.
  

• With this partial payment, the gap that families are facing in their food budgets is smaller than if SNAP remained fully paused. But the delay in this smaller payment means that thousands of neighbors are without food support in early November.
  

• This update also means that this emergency fund – an Agriculture Department contingency fund – is drained, leaving families who receive SNAP benefits undersupported in November, and unsure what will happen next for their benefits if SNAP isn’t restored.
  

Thousands of local families will still need support – and will turn to our services. We’re continuing to prepare for more families, and need our community’s help: filling volunteer shifts, giving generously, and advocatingfor SNAP benefits to return.

Learn more here.

Updated 10/24/2025

On October 23, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that, due to the federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits will not be issued to Michigan recipients.

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps nearly 1 in 7 Michigan families—about 1.4 million people—afford groceries each month.
  

• This includes thousands of children, seniors, and adults with disabilities who depend on these benefits for healthy food.
  

• 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income – but it’s still not enough to make ends meet.

• In our region, about:

  • 18,000 people in Ottawa County receive roughly $3 million in SNAP benefits each month

  • 11,400 people in Allegan County receive about $1.9 million each month

  • That’s around $4.9 million in monthly local food support suddenly paused.

• The loss of this support means more families will turn to local programs like our Food Club for help.

• Our team is preparing for an increase in need, and every guest will continue to be met with compassion, dignity, and choice.

• We’ll adapt as we always do—but it’s important to remember: community generosity can’t replace the scale of federal food programs.